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Mexican War Letters 

of Col. William Bowen Campbell of Tennessee, 

Written to Governor David Campbell 

of Virginia, 1846-1847 

With Introduction and Notes by 
ST. GEORGE L. SIOUSSAT. 

/ 

(Reprinted from the Tennessee Historical Magazine, June 1915.) 




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MEXICAN WAR LETTERS 

OF COL. WILLIAM BOWEN CAMPBELL 

OF TENNESSEE, WRITTEN TO 

GOVERNOR DAVID CAMPBELL OF VIRGINIA, 

1846-1847 

(Reprinted from the Tennessee Historical Magazine, June 1915) 



DOCUMENTS. 



INTRODUCTION. 

David Campbell (1779-1859) of Washington County, 
Virginia, was the grandson of "White" David Campbell, 
noted in the Indian fights in western Virginia in colonial 
times, and the son of John Campbell, prominent in Lord 
Dunmore's War and in the Revolutionary warfare in Vir- 
ginia. After service in the War of 1812 David Campbell 
filled successively in Virginia the offices of state senator, 
clerk of the county court of Washington County, and major- 
general of the militia. From 1837 to 1840 he was gov- 
ernor of Virginia. On his retirement from this office he 
lived at his estate, "Montcalm," near Abingdon, Virginia, 
where he died in 1859. 

Governor David Campbell, in many ways a remarkable 
man, possessed among other virtues an appreciation of the 
value of historical materials. He carefully preserved his, 
papers, and it is to this fact that we owe the correspondence 
now printed. This is part of a long series of letters written 
to Governor David Campbell by his wife's nephew, William 
Bowen Campbell, of Tennessee, — who was also a cousin of 
Governor Campbell by descent from "White" David through 
a female line. These letters are now the property of Wil- 
liam B. Campbell's son, Mr. Lemuel R. Campbell, of Nash- 
ville, who has kindly consented to the publication of this 
group in the Magazine.^ 

Between Governor David Campbell and William B. 
Campbell there was a deep and lasting friendship. Gov- 
ernor Campbell had early interested himself in the educa- 
tion of his young relative from Tennessee and had assisted 

^The genealogy and much of the history of the Campbells of Virginia is to be 
found in the extensive and valuable work by Mrs. J. S. (Margaret Campbell) Pilcher 
of Nashville, entitled Historical Sketches of the Campbell, Pilcher, and_ Kindred 
Families. . . . (Nashville, Tennessee, 191 1, pp. 444.) Included in this volume 
is a sketch of William Bowen Campbell, written by his son, Lemuel R. Campbell, of 
Nashville, from which have been taken most of the facts set forth above. In the 
possession of Mrs. Pilcher are other interesting and valuable papers of her father, 
William B. Campbell, a considerable group of which also relate to the Mexican War. 






130 TENNESSEE HISTORICAL MAGAZINE 

him tow^ards the study of the law under Henry St. George 
Tucker, of Winchester, Virginia. Thus William B. Camp- 
bell, who was born in Tennessee in 1807, spent part of his 
young manhood in Virginia. On his return to Tennessee 
he entered upon the practice of law at Carthage. In 1831 
he was elected by the Legislature to his first office, that of 
one of the attorney-generalships of the state. This led him 
to move to White County, where for some years he made his 
home at Sparta. He left this place to return to Carthage, 
and in 1835 was elected representative for Smith County. 
In the same year he married Miss Frances I. Owen, daugh- 
ter of Dr. John Owen, of Carthage. Next year he served 
with distinction in the Florida War. A series of letters 
written this year to Governor David Campbell we hope to 
publish in a later number of the Magazine. 

On his return he was elected to Congress from his dis- 
trict, and continued in the house of representatives for two 
terms. He preferred his life at home, and in 1843 declined 
reelection. For a few years he was in private life ; then, on 
the outbreak of the Mexican War, he was elected Colonel 
of the First Tennessee Regiment, and served as a volunteer 
for the term of twelve months. Of the campaign in Mexico 
We shall have more to say below. 

The later career of William B. Campbell, well-known to 
Tennesseans, must be summarized briefly. On his return 
from the Mexican service he was elected a judge of the 
circuit court in his section of Tennessee. In 1851, after the 
exciting year of the Nashville Convention and the Compro- 
mise, he was nominated by the Whigs for the governorship 
and was triumphantly elected, the last governor to be chosen 
by that party. At the close of one term he refused to run 
again, and entered into business. After a sojourn in New 
Orleans he became president of the Bank of Middle Ten- 
nessee at Lebanon, in which town he thereafter made his 
home. As a private citizen he followed the Whig party to 
its downfall, and in 1860 supported the candidacy of John 
Bell. Strenuously opposing secession, he declined a high 
military command offered by President Davis, and in 1862 
accepted a brigadier-generalship in the Federal army upon 
the understanding that he should not be assigned to active 
duty in the field. In 1864 he gave his support to the Mc- 
Clellan ticket, but through the interference of Andrew John- 
son, the military governor, the electors on this ticket with- 
drew their names. 

William B. Campbell was one of the representatives 
elected to the Thirty-ninth Congress, but was not permitted 



MEXICAN WAR LETTERS OF W. B. CAMPBELL 131 

to take his seat until 1866. He now gave his adherence to 
Johnson's administration and was frequently called into 
consultation by the President. On August 9, 1867, he died 
at his home near Lebanon, Tennessee. Few men have been 
more loved in Tennessee, and none have passed through 
political life with more unsullied reputation. 

It is now proper briefly to describe the political and mili- 
tary situation which existed at the time that William B. 
Campbell volunteered his services and was elected colonel 
of his regiment. 

The month of February, 1846, found General Zachary 
Taylor with United States troops at Corpus Christi, upon 
the Nueces River in Texas near the Gulf Coast, at which 
point he had been encamped for several months. On Feb- 
ruary 4 he received orders from Washington to occupy a 
position on the east bank of the Rio Grande. Preparing 
without haste his plans for carrying out these orders, Tay- 
lor established a base at Point Isabel, a bluff which com- 
manded one of the shallow bays that are found on this part 
of the Texas coast. Opposite Point Isabel was a channel or 
arm (Brazo) of the sea which the Mexicans called El Brazo 
de Santiago, and which the American soldiers chose to name 
The Brazos. The channel lay between islands, of which that 
immediately to the south bore the name of Santiago, to which 
also by the Army of the United States the word Brazos was 
applied. A few miles farther to the south the Rio Grande 
emptied into the Gulf. Here in the last days of March Tay- 
lor took up his quarters, opposite the Mexican town of 
Matamoros. A month later, on April 24, a scouting party 
of American dragoons under Captain Thornton was am- 
bushed and sixteen were killed or wounded. Upon this 
Taylor called upon the governors of Texas and Louisiana 
for volunteers. On May 3 the fort at Point Isabel was un- 
successfully bombarded by the Mexicans under General 
Arista. Within a week came the battles of Palo Alto and 
Resaca de Guerrero. The latter name marked a ravine or 
former river bed, and this or one nearby was called by the 
Americans Resaca de la Palma. Victorious in both of these 
encounters the Americans soon forced the Mexican army to 
evacuate Matamoros, and thus by May 18 gained control of 
the lower Rio Grande. 

The news of the outbreak of hostilities had reached 
Washington on May 9, and on the eleventh the President had 
sent in his war message. Within two days the declaration 
of war by Congress was ready for Polk's signature. There 
followed a period of delay in which the administration, em- 



132 TENNESSEE HISTORICAL MAGAZINE 

barrassed by difficulties with General Winfield Scott, en- 
deavor fo plan a campaign. Meanwhile Taylor impatiently 
waited at Matamoros. The volunteer troops, which began 
to pour in upon him far more rapidly than his means of 
subsistence and transportation could accommodate, included 
some of which had been raised as a result of a call issued 
by General Edmund Pendleton Gaines, who now, as on 
former occasions, had undertaken without authority to an- 
ticipate directions from the War Department. As indi- 
cated above, Taylor, acting under orders from Washington, 
had requisitioned volunteers from Louisiana and Texas. It 
was supposed that these soldiers had enlisted for six months, 
but it soon developed that under the Act of 1795 they could 
be held for but three months. Some of these short-time 
troops were the first to reach Taylor, and in August large 
numbers of them returned. Meanwhile early in June the 
twelve-month volunteers authorized by the war act began to 
arrive at Santiago Island, coming by the Gulf from New 
Orleans. It is stated that "with the exception of two regi- 
ments, one from Georgia and one from Alabama, and a bat- 
talion raised in and near Baltimore, the troops were all 
from the Mississippi Valley — Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Mis- 
souri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi and Louisiana." 

/ Justly distrustful of the legality of General Gaines's 
requisition, the governor of Tennessee, Aaron V. Brown, a 
political and personal friend of Polk, merely issued a proc- 
lamation calling upon the citizens to be ready in case a 
summons from the War Department should come. May 16 
this official requisition was issued from Washington, and 
obedient to it. Governor Brown called for the enlistment in 
Tennessee of three regiments, one af cavalry and two of 
infantry, to serve for twelve months unless sooner dis- 
charged. The total number of men desired was about three 
thousand ; more than thirty thousand volunteered. The 
Union and Planters' Banks advanced the funds necessary 
for financing the mustering in of the troops. Because of 
the great numbers a choice had to be made by election, and 
the successful competitors were ordered to rendezvous at 
Camp Taylor near Nashville. By June 3 twelve companies 
had been mustered in and were organized into one regiment. 
Thus was established the First Regiment of Tennessee Vol- 
unteers. The field officers were then chosen by election. 

At this point we leave the story to Colonel Campbell's 
own words. In the foot-notes, however, it will be attempted 
to add a few necessary explanations and to indicate the cor- 
rect spelling of persons and places. For assistance in the 



MEXICAN WAR LETTERS OF W. B. CAMPBELL 133 

latter regard the editor is under great obligations to Dr. 
Justin H. Smith, of Boston, Massachusetts, who has shared 
with the Magazine the expense of copying these letters. 
General accounts of the Mexican War are readily accessible 
in the histories of Schouler and McMaster, and a more 
detailed narrative in the second volume of Mr. G. L. Rives's 
work. The United States and Mexico, 1821-1848 (New York, 
1913.) Appended to the latter is a considerable bibliography 
in which will be found the titles of most of the older works 
upon the Mexican War, such for example as that of Ripley. 
Not listed by Rives, but of some interest as describing close- 
ly the Monterey Campaign, is a little book by T. B. Thorpe, 
Our Army at Monterey^. . . . (Philadelphia, 1847). 
Besides this another work deserves special mention. In the 
Nashville Union, in 1846 and 1847, was published a series 
of letters or articles entitled Reminiscences of a Campaign 
in Mexico; by a Member of "The Bloody First." These 
sketches with an historical introduction were republished in 
book form (Nashville, 1849). No author's name appears 
upon the title page, but the preface is signed by J. B. Robin- 
son. This is apparently a misprint, for it is likely that the 
author was J. B. Robertson. The writer was one of the 
soldiers in Colonel Campbell's regiment, and the book covers 
about the same period as the Letters. From it has been 
taken in part our account of the organization of the First 
Tennessee Regiment. 

With the following exceptions the letters are reproduced 
as Colonel Campbell wrote them: (1) The abbreviation 
"&", used consistently by Colonel Campbell, has in every 
case been expanded to "and;" (2) omissions of punctuation 
obviously due to haste or carelessness have been supDlied ; 
(3) except in the first letter the usual words of farewell have 
been omitted; (4) a few purely personal allusions have been 
omitted, the omission being indicated in every case by the 
usual sign. St. George L. Sioussat. 



134 TENNESSEE HISTORICAL MAGAZINE 

JVm. B. Campbell to Governor David Campbell. 



1. Nashville, June 4, 1846. 

I write you a few lines in haste today that you may know that I was 
on yesterday elected the Col. Commandant of the ist Regt. Ten." Volun- 
teers. It is a noble command being composed of 12 companies of about 
90 men each, each company having 80 privates. I shall be off myself 
with the remainder of the command on the morning of the 6th inst. to 
report to Genl. Gaines at New Orleans. I left home on Saturday last 
and did not then believe that I would be elected the CoL, and my wife 
will be in deep affliction when she is informed that she will not see me 
again for twelve months. Her health is not very good and I have great 
uneasiness for her, but I could not get out of this business with honor, 
and must now trust in a kind providence for the protection and support 
of my dear wife and dear children. I shall expect to hear from you often 
and particularly on the subject of my duties as Col., the etiquette, etc., 
of the army. Do write often to my wife, for she is now nearly heart- 
broken and will need all the consolation and comfort your letters always 
give. The old political companies were those called for by the Govr. and 
it so hap[p]ened that 3-4 of those in my Regt are democratic officers, but 
there is a majority of 200 Democrats of the rank and file, yet I beat a 
Major Genl. and a iDemocrat 169 votes. So you see I out ran the 
Whig strength. I will in a hour take quarters with my Regt. from 
which I expect not to be separated until we end the service. James 
Campbell is in good health. Present my truest affection to my dear Aunt 
and believe me to be your affectionate and devoted nephew. 

2. Steamboat Tennessee^ 50 Miles Above Memphis, June 8, 1846. 

I am now on my way to the Rio Grande and have with me five com- 
panies of my Regiment, the other seven having gone on ahead. I will 
join them on Saturday in New Orleans. The boat will touch at Mem- 
phis and I will write you a few lines to keep you advised of my where- 
abouts and condition. All my affairs are moving on very well and I think 
I shall have a very fine Regiment when I get to Matamoras.^ I go directly 
on to Genl. Taylor's camp and shall remain no longer in New Orleans 
than the transports can be had, which I hope will be ready on my arrival 
there. I have now such a crowd and so much confusion yet that I cannot 
write much now. My men seem willing to obey and to be governed and 
all are getting on well. I will write you from New Orleans. Direct 
your letters to me at New Orleans to the care of Messrs. AlHson, Allen 
and Co., who will forward them to me. 

3. New Orleans, June 14, 1846. 

I have just time to write you a word or two to let you know that I 
arrived here yesterday and have my Regiment of 43 officers and 1,000 
non-commissioned officers and privates, encamped in the lower part of 
this city. I have transports engaged and shall be off on to-morrow or the 
next day with the whole force for Point Isabel. We have fine weather 
and but little sickness amongst the men. My own health is very fine and 
I have great confidence that I shall stand the campaign well. If we 

^Tennessee. 

*Matamoros; but Colonel Campbell's spelling was widely used in contemporary 
American publications. 



MEXICAN WAR LETTERS OF W. B. CAMPBELL 135 

shall have fighting to do, I do not calculate that we will have an insignifi- 
cant enemy to contend with. The Mexicans are better soldiers than they 
have character for. After the battle of the 8th* Gen. Taylor called a 
council of his officers 13 being present and 9 of the 13 were opposed to 
fighting on the next day and in favor of entrenching the American army 
at Point Isabel — this looks like the Mexicans had convinced them that 
they could fight well. I saw our relation Mr. Campbell Cummings today. 
He resides here. 

[Postscript.] My Regiment is said here to be the finest looking Regt. 
that has passed here en route to Genl. Taylor. I hope they will give 
a good account of themselves on the Rio Grande. 

4. Brasos'^ Island, July 3, 1846. 

My whole Regt. are now laying on this island, encamped, having an- 
chored of[f] the Bar nearly 2 weeks ago, but a whole week elapsed before 
it was taken off the transports by the lighters which can only pass the 
bar measuring about 6 to 8 feet of w^ater. It is a most uncertain and 
dangerous place to land and whenever the least wind prevails vessels 
are thrown on shore. I had the bad luck to be wrecked on the Steamer 
Col. Harney in passing from the vessel which brought me over to the 
shore. She grounded on the bar and we were out all night in the break- 
ers, but no accident occurred to any one on board, although about daylight 
in the morning she bilged and the hull filled with water. My men were 
taken off by small boats and I saw them all safe taken off before I quit 
the wreck. But now we are all in good spirits and in very good health, 
the climate is a very fine one, having a breeze here night and day as 
strong as the March winds at Montcalm. The water however is not so 
good as may be had in the hills of Holston, as we here sink a hole in 
the ground and place a flour barrel in it and the water seeps in through 
the sand and although a little brackish is pretty good and I think not 
unhealthy. I shall march from this place in a few days for Barita" on the 
Rio Grande about 30 miles distant below Matamoras on that River, where 
I may be encamped for some time, as that point will be convenient to 
be supplied with provisions. I now think we are to have a most masterly 
inactive campaign, as the troop [s] now on the Rio Grande greatly exceeds 
the means provided for subsistence and transportation, and they are daily 
arriving. There preceded me here six Regts. from La., one from Ky. 
and one from St. Louis, Mo., and several companies from other States, 
and now they are coming in from Tenn., Miss., Maryland and Wash- 
ington City, and expected from Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois, and Miss., and 
Ala., so that I have no idea that Genl. Taylor will be able to move the 
whole force now here until about fall. When the secretary' was calling 
so loudly for volunteers, he should have been giving more particular 
attention to the subsistence and Quartermasters department in this region 
and if there should be delay, inactivity or disaster, it will in my opinion 
be properly attributable to the inefficiency of means furnished in those 
two departments. This Island is but a lump of sand and has been 
nearly all overflowed and a town once here is to be seen no trace of. 
But the air is fine and the country along the Rio Grande is represented 
as pleasant and tolerably healthy. The water of that river being deemed 
as good as that of the Mississippi. Genl. Taylor is moving his force in 
detachments up the river above Matamoras slozvly, and what he intends 
doing I know not nor have I any intimation of the plans of the Gov- 

*Palo Alto. 

^Usually spelled "Brazos." See the introduction. 

^Burrita. 

■^Marcy. 



136 TENNESSEE HISTORICAL MAGAZINE 

ernment as to what is to be done by the army. Genl. Taylor from what 
I hear of him is a brave man and a hardy soldier, but not talented and 
I fear not capacity enough for his present position. And since Genl. 
Scott has perpetrated suicide,' Taylor will be kept where he is — there being 
no officer in the U. S. army in whom the admn. of Mr. Polk has sufficient 
confidence to entrust with the command. I do hope we shall during the 
summer be marched upon Monterey, as the route to that city would be 
through a hilly healthy country and the city has a population of 30 or 
40,000 inhabitants. But really I have no news here now than you have 
seen in the papers, for the last 20 day[s] there has been not one word of 
news in relation to the army of occupation and the Mexicans. We can- 
not ascertain whether the Mexicans are raising an army and if they 
are where they are concentrating. I think they are doing little or nothing 
towards defending their soil. I have heard the rumor here that the 
Oregon question is settled at 49° with the navigation for a term of years 
to the Hudson Bay Company of the Columbia. For myself I should 
not care to hear of the settlement of the Mexican difficulty as there seems 
to be no prospect of an active campaign and a whole year may pass by 
before another blow shall be stricken. ... I am by no means in first 
rate spirits as to my Regt. for about 6 companies have fine officers and 
will soon drill finely but the other six, I fear the officers are incapable 
of ever drilling their Companies so as to make them respectable. I shall 
however not despair and will try and bring them all right. Politics is 
somewhat in my way as all my field officers are Democrats and are some- 
what jealous of any character I may acquire and therefore do not second 
my exertions to institute rigid discipline, but I shall overcome all that 
and they will be mistaken as to my ulterior views of political stations. 
I hope I shall never again have a desire to ingage in any political contest 
or to seek office. When I return home I will lead a private life, and seek 
my own and the happiness of my family and dear relatives. This shall 
be my desire and my ambition the remainder of my life. . . . 

I have two fine horses which I brought from Tenn. They have been 
much worsted in the voyage here, but I hope soon to recruit them and 
make them serve me during the campaign, and I have an Irish servant 
who is kind and attentive and serves me faithfully. So do not fear 
but I shall get on well if some disease does not overtake me. . . . 

There are now more than twelve thousand volunteers in the army 
of occupation scattered along the Rio Grande, here and about Point Isabel 
and towards Matamoras, and if Genl. Taylor had the means of supplying 
his army, he could make an immediate move upon Monterey and could 
strike an effective blow. This is a much worse country to campaign in 
than Florida. Water and wood is so very scarce. I have not seen timber 
yet. We cook with coal brought from Ohio or Penn. Florida has an 
abundance of fine timber and excellent water. Again adieu. 

5. LoMETA,' Rio Grande, July 11, 1846. 

You will see by the above that I am on the move having left Brasos 
Island on the 7 inst and arrived here the same day with one half of my 
Regt. the other half have not yet come up. This place is a small hill on 
the bank of the river just large enough for my Regt. to camp on and the 
word Loma — a hill — iLometa — a little hill — indicates the kind of place. 
This is about 20 miles from the mouth of the river and 4 miles above 
Barita. — the river is now very high, its bankks overflown everywhere and 
all along it from here down presenting the appearance of a great lake — 
the water is fresh to the mouth, but as muddy as the Mississippi, — the 

8The reference is to Taylor's correspondence with Marcy and Polk. 
•Lomita. 



MEXICAN WAR LETTERS OF W. B. CAMPBELL 137 

whole country is a prairie with here and there a growth of shrubbery or 
small trees called chaporal/" no tree being higher than lo or 15 feet and six 
inches through. The army of Genl. Taylor is encamped from Brasos 
Island to Rynoso" on the Rio Grand covering a distance of at least 100 
miles — I suppose there are now in the field under the command of Genl. 
Taylor at least 15,000 volunteers, independent of the Regular army, but 
there is no certainty yet of his intention to strike a blow. I fear nothing 
will be done and that we will be kept in camp on this river during the 
summer. I can form no opinion as to the health of this country in the 
latter part of the summer and fall, but at present this is the most delightful 
climate I ever experienced in my life. There is always day and night a 
strong wind and breeze and the air is soft and dry all the time — never 
sultry — far more pleasant than our summers in Ten. or Virginia. This 
place bids fair to be healthy, as I succeeded here a regiment which had 
fine health here for the past month. At Brasos the water was brackish 
and gave every one a dissentery [sic] — here the river water is good and 
when it settles tastes agreeable. We are visited here every day by many 
of the Mexicans, who come to our camp with beef, mutton, kid, eggs 
and watermelons, milk in abundance for sale and now we are well sup- 
plied with some of the delicacies of the table. These Mexicans are 
nothing but herdsmen having large droves of cattle and sheep and goats 
and horses and on the Rio Grande cultivate little or nothing and are a 
miserable, ignorant, filthy race, but seem to be healthy and stout. The 
immense waste of prairie and water is painful to look upon, with here 
and there a miserable thatched and mud cottage to relieve the view. I 
have lost 3 men by death since I left Ten, and I fear that my principal 
surgeon who is at Matamoras is also dead. . . . 

I am in hopes Genl. Taylor will march this summer on Monterey and 
Saltillio,^ and if so we will have a fine high healthy country to operate 
in, but we have no accounts that the Mexicans are embodying at any place. 
I am only in fear that the difficulty will be settled before I shall have 
a chance to give my Regt. a trial in battle. As I have come this far I 
would like to have at least one engagement with the enemy. Adieu. 

Direct to Point Isabel, Texas, ist Regt. Ten. Vol. Army of Invasion. 

6. Camp at Lometa, Mexico, July 31, 1846. 

I have only to say a word to you that my health is still very good, 
although I have much sickness in my camp. I have loss [sic] 7 men 
since I came to this place about 22 days ago, and I have about 130 on the 
sick list, yet I cannot say that this is a sickly place as the sea breeze 
is so strong that the air must be purified by it. I hope soon to be ordered 
to march up the country and may get in to a higher and healther rigion 
[sic] or where we may have good water. The six months troops have 
all been ordered home and my Regt. is now the 2nd Regt. of vol. that 
are in the field as to priority and I think now if there is any fighting to 
do I shall have a chance. 

7. LoMETA, Mexico, August 9, 1846. 

I am still encamped at this place, having been here more than one 
month, and although I have orders from Genl. Taylor to go to Carmago" 
as soon as boats can be furnished by the Quartermasters to transport 
my command, yet is very uncertain when I shall leave here, as boats may 

""Chaparral. 

"^Reynosa or Reinosa. 

^^The Castilian pronunciation of Saltillo suggests Saltillio. 

I'Camargo. 



138 TENNESSEE HISTORICAL MAGAZINE 

not be tendered me in the next two weeks. You will have seen that all 
the six months volunteers who were accepted by Genl. Gaines have all 
been discharged and sent home, and now are kept in service but 12 months 
men and when I arrived at Brasos Sant lago" with my Regt. I had been 
preceded by only one corps of 12 months men, to wit, a Louisville Ky. 
Regt. commanded by Col. Ormsby, so that I am the 2nd Regt. of the 
volunteers on Mexican territory. It has been consideied as an advan- 
tage to get here first as the first would be moved up the river and into 
the interior first, and so Genl. Taylor stated to all who came, that 
they would take their turn in bein[g] moved up the river. It is very dis- 
agreeable at Brasos St. lago and all desire to be moved forward. Being 
next to the ist Ky. Regt. and having been assured by Genl. Taylor that 
I would move up next to him, I was greatly disappointed at getting an 
order from him a few days ago, designating the the order of the various 
Regts. encamped on the river, to be moved to Carmago, and ist Ky. 
Regt. 1st, Baltimore Battallion 2nd, 3 Ohio Regts. 3, 4, and 5, 2nd Ky. 
Regt. 6th, Miss Regt. 7th, and mine the 8th, when I had arrived in this 
country before all but the ist named and most of those placed before me 
had not left home when I landed at Brasos St. lago. This injustice on 
the part of Genl. Taylor I will look into and have an explanation, as I 
can prove by four respectable officers that the day before his order 
bears date, he stated to them that my Regt. should move next to the ist 
Ky. Regt. I have been very busy attending to the interest of my Regt. 
and have not been about the person of Genl. Taylor and this I have no 
doubt is the reason why I have been slorred [sic] over He is a very 
plain man of very ordinary intellect and the battles of Palo Alto, and of 
Resecca [sic] have been puffed up so much in the papers that the old 
fellow thinks he may be president and flattery may have great influence 
with him, and I doubt not that I have been passed over by the artifice 
of officers who have been about the Genl's person a great deal and have 
plastered him over with praise for the battles and feed his hopes with 
promises of the future. But I will not despair of having a part in what 
may yet be to do and will be ready to march in the order I have been 
rlaced. But you will see before the campaign is over that Genl. Taylor 
is altogether inadequate to the station he holds. For the report of every 
man who visits him is that he is a very ordinary man and they fear his 
competency to command an army. There was no ability displayed in 
the battles of Palo and Resacca. Nothing but brute courage won those 
days and this is the opinion of 9 tenths of the officers of the Regular 
army nearly all of whom have a very poor opinion of Genl. Taylor's 
capacity and ability as a Genl. I have been very anxious to leave here be- 
cause my Regt. has been very sickly and I have been very unlucky. At 
this place I have lost by death 12 men — the measels broke out in the 
ranks after I encamped here and having no shelters but tents to pro- 
tect the men from the weather, — they could not be so taken care of as to 
save them and nearly half who have taken the measels have died. But 
I wish you not to believe that this country is unhealthy. At Brasos St. 
lago the water was so brackish that it produced severe bowel complaints 
but here we use the Rio Grande water -which is healthy and there is 
not more sickness in my camp than would be were we encamped in Ten. 
except the measels. We have the sea breeze here constantly and the 
weather is less sultry and never so warm as in Ten. and the shade is 
always cool and the nights the most pleasant I ever experienced any 
where. The dews are so light that they are not fe[l]t and we lay out in 
the open air here without the least injury, — no dampness at all in the 
atmosphere and take it altogether what I have seen in i>^ month, it is the 

"Santiago. 



MEXICAN WAR LETTERS OF W. B. CAMPBELL 139 

most delightful climate I ever experienced. I visited Matamoras a few 
days ago to see Genl. Taylor, but he had left for Carmago and as yet 
I have not seen him. Matamoras is a very old looking Spanish town 
having the appearance of having been a much larger place ; it now has 
many very [?] buildings all built in a peculiar manner with flat roofs. 
Many of the best are now appropriated to army uses. It is now the 
most unpleasant town to be in I ever saw, being full daily and nightly 
of the unrestrained Texan soldiers, who are the wildest and most dissipated 
set of men I ever saw. The[y] remind me of the character and descrip- 
tion of the Russian Cossacks, and the Mexican population is of the most 
savage and vicious character, the better class having left. The country 
from this place up on both sides of the Rio Grand is the finest lands I 
ever saw for planting purposes. The good lands are covered generally 
with a thick growth of muskete^^ and ebono^" trees and various kinds of 
smaller growth all covered with thorns like the young locusts and thorn 
bushes of your country which makes the chaporal or thicket almost im- 
passable, yet the trees are nowhere more than 20 feet high, all of a 
low scrubby order. The whole valley of the Rio Grande is represented 
as a most fertile valley, producing Indian Corn, sugarcane, cotton which 
grows three years from one planting, and mellons, — there is not much 
fruit here, — some orange and lime trees ,and figs all of which are 
cultivated. There are now many large stores in Matamoras and much 
business done there in sales to the soldiers and the Mexicans. The latter 
sell us whatever they have of eatables — but they are a faithless race and 
are not to be trusted. As to our living we are supplied with pickle[d] 
pork, some bacon in sides, crackers in barrels and some flour which many 
of our men prefer. I like the crackers best of any bread. We have 
coffee and sugar and some rice, and are supplied twice a week with a 
ration of fresh beef. This country abounds with cattle the finest in the 
world, and it is bought here by the contractors at about one cent a 
pound and they get from the government S cents. I have not space or 
time to inform you of the great frauds that are perpetrated on the Gov- 
ernment here in carrying on this war, the great prices given for old 
steamboats and other extravagant prices paid, no doubt to favorites or to 
persons who share with officers the spoils. There is now some talk that 
Genl. Taylor intends a descent on Monterey from Carmago, after he 
concentrates a force large enough at the latter place. But I think he 
will not move from Carmago before October. There are now about 20 
Govt, steamboats in this river out at Brasos Stiago, and could very soon 
take provisions and men to Carmago, but there is evidently great imbe- 
cility in the movements, and as I have before said Genl. Taylor is not 
adequate to the station, yet this is between us and time will develop the 
truth of my conjecture. I have been giving close attention to military 
tactics, having Cooper's tactics, and Scott's work on tactics, and the 
Army Regulations. My military library is as large now as I have use 
for, and I am daily improving myself in tactics and in the army regula- 
tions and in the details of the service. My Regiment are in a tolerable 
good state, several companies being well drilled, and in Regimental and 
Battallion drill they all perform several maneuvers very well — such as 
forming column by companies or by divisions of 2 companies and chang- 
ing front on any company or division — close column at company or 
division distance — deploying in to line of battle, passing defiles and form- 
ing hollow squares, — and the manual of arms they perform very well, 
and are getting to march pretty well with the step. I have a very good 
military band. And there is an excellent state of good feeling amongst 

i^Mesquite. 
^^Ebony. 



140 TENNESSEE HISTORICAL MAGAZINE 

the officers field and company. I feel very confident in my ability to 
manage my Regt. so as to make it efficient and creditable in the field. 
. . . Your letter of the 3rd July was read last night and I thank you 
and my dear aunt for the interest you take in the welfare of my dear 
family, it is a great consolation to me and would be sweet at a dying 
moment. My health has been better than it has been for two or 3 
years and I have uniform good spirits and I think capable of enduring 
as much as any man in the lines. 

I cannot write more now. You will please direct your letters to Mata- 
moras, Mexico, ist Regt. Tenn. vol. Army of Invasion and I must ask 
you to pay the postage and they will be forwarded to me. If the postage 
is not paid the letters would remain at Matamoras until I sent for them 
specially and paid the postage. When the postage is paid any passenger 
will bring them on to the army. Adieu my dear uncle. 

In a few days I with my Regt. will be on our way in passage to 
Carmago. 4 companies will be carried by water and the heavy baggage, 
the remaining 8 companies will go by land with such baggage as will be 
necessary on the march and will be encamped I doubt not near Carmago 
until October. 

The measles have been in my camp and about 10 have died of that 
disease, but except measles the health of' the Regt. is good. 

8. Camp Near Carmago, August 21, 1846. 

I write today in great haste, having got to a new place, and as yet 
not fixed up with any comfort and 9 companies of my Regt. here, the 
remainder daily expected. A portion of the regular force under Genl. 
Worth moved off two days ago toward Monterey will go 80 miles and 
await the arrival of all the force that Genl. Taylor takes to Monterey. 
I expect that my Regt. will be in the expedition to Monterey and Saltillio. 
We have no definite news about the Mexican army or force at Monterey. 
Genl. Taylor is a very plain man, agreeable and decided, but he is evi- 
dently a man of ordinary abiHty. The great jealousy that exists here 
amongst all the officers and particularly amongst the volunteers makes 
the service disagreeable, yet I think I am so prudent that I will be able 
to get along without much josteling. I will write you before I leave 
here more in detail the plan of the campaign, etc. My health is excellent. 

9. Camp Near Carmago, August 28, 1846. 

I cannot find time to write many letters, and therefore nearly all my 
writing is done to you and to my wife. I have not written six letters to 
other persons since I landed at Brasos Island. My whole Regiment is 
now encamped here, but it is most sorely afflicted with sickness being 
near three hundred on the sick list, and every day one or two are laid 
away in eternal sleep. I have had 32 deaths in my Regiment, and about 
40 discharged from disease and broken down constitutions from disease. 
So you see my Regt. of one thousand is fast wasting away in this tropical 
climate. A majority of the deaths that have occurred were from measles; 
now the men have fever. It is very warm here, and not much breeze 
like we had at Lometa, and no water any where but in the rivers. The 
valley of the Rio Grande is really a thirsty desert, — after having to 
travel 50 or 60 miles without finding a drop of water to quench thirst, 
and when the desert has to be pas[s]ed, water must be packed along 
both for man an ho[r]se. Carmago is situated on the bank of the St. 
Juan" about 4 miles from its entrance into the Rio Grande and is now 
a dilapidated village which once had a population of 2000, but now has 

"San Juan. 



MEXICAN WAR LETTERS OF W. B. CAMPBELL 141 

not more than 500. About two months ago the rise in the river over- 
flowed the towns and a very large number of the houses which were 
built of brick dried in the sun, were undermined by the dissolving of 
the brick and the houses tumbled down. The St. Juan as well as the 
Rio Grande overflows the whole valley at this season of the year. The 
summer rise came much earlier this season than usual and the rise still 
continues, there being now two months that 'the Rio Grande has been 
out of its banks and the whole valley overflown. And the ground that I 
and my Regt. are now encamped on, was under water 2 feet 6 weeks ago, 
it is now however dry. This whole country is covered by a dense growth 
of small timber and shrubbery of the most cragged and thorny I ever 
beheld, — every bush, tree, plant and every insect and serpent here, has a 
sting or thorn. The prickle pears here grown 6 or 8 feet high and there 
are also other growths here of the same Cactus species. 

The St. Juan is navigable only for a few miles above this place, and 
this is the highest point towards Monterey that provisions can be trans- 
ported in steam Boats. 

August 30th. 

I have received orders for five hundred picked men of my Regt. to 
be held in readiness to march to Monterey; and strange to tell out of the , 
one thousand that I left Nashville with, I shall be hard pressed to get ' 
500 effective men for the order, — ^such has been the effect of disease in 
my camp for ten days past. My average is about a death a day and 
today two have died and several more are expected to die hourly. In 
five or six days my command will march for Monterey and I hope the 
men I take with me will be. freed from the infection that seems to pre- 
vail in this climate and at this place. My own health continues good 
and I hope to preserve it as I am very particular in my diet and in not 
exposing myself in any way that can with propriety be avoided. Genl. 
Worth has gone on as far as Seralvo^* with a division of the Regular 
Army, — Genl. Percifor^" F. Smith has gone on after him with a Brigade of 
Regulars and Genl. Twiggs is about moving with another division of Reg- 
ulars — making in all about 4000 men. Genl. Butler of Ky. starts this week 
with a division of volunteers of four Regts. of 500 men each, and two Briga- 
diers Genl. to wit. Genl. Hamer of Ohio and Genl. Quitman of Missis- 
sippi, and my command composed a part of Genl. Quitmans Brigade. 
Although Genl. Pillow is my Brigadier, I have been temporarily detached 
with 500 men to go in the expedition to Monterey under Quitman who 
is far superior to Pillow in every point of view both as a man of 
talents and as a military man, and therefore I am not displeased at being 
detached and having the honor of going in the expedition. It is quite 
probable that we may march directly to Saltillio if not stop[p]ed by a 
superior force of the enemy. 

Genl. Taylor is still here and I have not learned what day he leaves, 
perhaps he may go with the division of volunteers. The advance now at 
Seralvo will not leave there until the whole force intended for Monterey 
get there and then the whole army will move together. I am well pleased i 
with Genl. Taylor, who though a plain blunt man is evidently a military j 
man of great firmness and decision and is well informed and under- \ 
stands well all matters that he has to do with. Genl. Worth is a very 
scientific man and in the army we have many very able and experienced 
officers who are with Genl. Taylor and who can contribute to aid him 
in his conclusions. 

^^Cerralvo. 
i»Persifor. 



142 TENNESSEE HISTORICAL MAGAZINE 

Many of the appointments of Genls. made by the President from civil 
life are very ordinary men, but some are good, and of the best are 
Butler, Hamer and Quitman. Genl. Pillow is of the smallest caliber that 
has ever been elevated to so high a command, although he professes to 
be very friendly to me and is tolerably agreeable yet he seems not to 
know what to do and is often directing and interfering in matters which 
he properly has nothing to do with, but I will bear with him as long 
as he seems to be actuated by no unkind or improper feelings towards 
me.^" 

From all that can be learned in relation to Monterey, it is believed 
Iby Genl. Taylor that the Mexicans will not fight us at that place, that if 
we should have a fight it will be at Saltillio or in the passes of the moun- 
tains between Monterey and Saltillio. Monterey is about i8o miles dis- 
tant from this place. We cross the St. Juan here and go to Meir"^ and 
thence leaving the Rio Grande to Seralvo. Col. Hayes" with his Regt. 
of Mounted Texans left Matamoras about 3 weeks ago and was directed 
by Genl. Taylor to go to St. Fernando" and Victoria and to Chene"^. 
After getting that far without o[p] position or finding an enemy, he left 
his Regt. and came here and reported a few days ago to Genl. Taylor 
and has returned to his Regt. at Chene. Hays thinks we will find no 
emboddied Mexican force this side of the Seira Madre"^ Mountains and 
that in all probability no fight can be had short of St. Louis Potosi.^" 
These Texans are mounted and in this war [ ?] are in many respects 
like the Cossacks. They are under no drill or discipline, but follow their 
leaders any where and if there is fighting they enter it with gallantry 
and fight in their own Western way and for service against the Mexicans 
are a first rate troop. Their hatred to the Mexicans is most implacable 
and the Mexicans have a perfect horror of a Texan. They are a most 
bold, hardy and desperate set of men, being inured to the climate, adven- 
turers with fine constitutions, and often desperadoes and ruffians and 
renegades from the States of the first class. But amongst them are many 
first rate men, of fine talents and first rate characters, and of that number 
I take Col. Hays and Col. Walker to be very worthy and meritorious 
men. I am here just like a machine ready to obey any orders and I 
do not pretend to give my mind any trouble about what will be done by 
our Government in relation to this war, but I am in for twelve months 
and shall not think of returning home until my term of service shall 
have expired and if the war should be ended before that time and I be 
permitted to get home sooner than I expect, I shall be most agreeable 
[.sic] disappointed. 

The volunteer Regts. that go forward under Genl. Butler are one Ky. 
Regt. under Col. Ormsby and one Ohio Regt. under Col. Mitchell — com- 
manded by Brigadier Genl. Hamer. And one Ten. Regt. under myself 
and one Mississippi Regt. under Col. Davis, commanded by Brigadier 

^Gideon J. Pillow, as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention of 1844 
had been prominent in bringing about the nomination of Polk, and was not modest 
in laying claim to credit therefor. (See his letters in American Historical Review, 
Volume XI, pp. 841-843.) Among the letters of W. B. Campbell to Governor David 
Campbell there is a single letter, — the only one which seems to have been preserved, — 
from Governor Campbell to his nephew, filled with denunciation of the nominations 
made by Polk generally and of that of Pillow in particular. Governor Campbell, a 
Whig, bitterly reprehended Polk for the appointment of Democratic generals. It is 
doubtless in reply to this communication of Governor Campbell that Colonel Campbell 
refers to Pillow. 

2iMier. 

22Hays. 

^^San Fernando. 

2*China. 

^'ssierra Madre. 

"8 San Luis Potosi. 



MEXICAN WAR LETTERS OF W. B. CAMPBELL 143 

Genl. Quitman. I feel gratified at my position and hope that I may be 
blessed with health to go through the campaign. I have this moment 
received my orders from Genl. Butler assuming [?] the command and 
informing me of what will be required to be done preparatory to the 
march and from this time until I learn more I shall be very busy making 
the necessary preparations. 

10. Camp Near Monterey, September 28, 1846. 

Since I last wrote you, I and my command have passed through some 
new and most trying and important scenes,— The Battle at Monterey has 
been fought. — the enemy have been beaten and all is now quietness and 
composure in camp. The wounded have been transferred to town and 
placed in comfortable quarters. After a severe march from Carmago 
and resting only two days on the way I arrived here on the evening of 
the 19th inst with the Army under the command of Genl. Taylor. The 
army of Genl. Taylor was composed of three Divisions, one under Genl. 
Worth of about 2500 men, one under Genl. Twiggs of between 1500 and 
2000 men and one volunteer Division under Genl. Butler of near 2000 
men, and Genl. Hendersons Brigade of Texian mounted men of about ■ 
1000 men. It seemed to be well understood before we arrived here that 
the whole Mexican force were here and had been actively engaged since 
the battles near Matamoras of Palo Alto and Resica de la Palma, in 
fortifying the town and raising men and preparing to make a desperate 
resistance. On our arrival here, meeting with no resistance or impedi- 
ment on the way, — the advanced guard were saluted by a fire from the 
large fort at the North west end of the town and never suffered to ap- 
proach nearer than the range of a 12 pounder without being promptly 
fired at. Sunday 20th was employed in reconnoitering until evening when 
Genl. Worth moved off with his Division to take post on the west end 
of the town on the road to Saltillio, and to attack and take if possible 
three fortifications in that quarter and a fourth called the Bishops Castle" 
deemed very strong, all of which were in view as they were all situated 
on very high eminences and intended to command the passage west and 
the Saltillio road. On Monday the firing in that quarter showed that 
Worth was actively engaged. He had with him also one Regt. of Genl. 
Henderson ['s] Brigade. The two Divisions of Genl. Twigg and Genl. 
Butler were ordered out, as was said to make a demonstration on the 
town that the force of the Mexican army might be diverted from Genl. 
Worth, but shortly after they were brought into the field, (for there is 
an immense plain in front of the town of more than two miles in extent) 
a part of Genl. Twiggs command became engaged at the north east end 
of the town in an attack upon some fortifications which were there, and 
shortly after the order came to me to move my Regt. to the support of 
the troops engaged in the attack in that quarter. I moved off at a quick 
pace and soon came under the range of the guns of the great fort called 
the Citadel at the North west end of the town and the guns of two forts 
directly in my front one about 300 yds in rear of the other. I moved 
on by the left flank of the line. When within 400 yds. of the outer fort 
one cannon ball raked my line, striking it about 10 feet in my rear and 
killed four and wounded badly 3 men of mv Regt. This of course was 
calculated to produce a deep impression if not alarm in my whole line as 
they had all to pass by the spot where lay the dead and wounded. I 
shouted to them to march on — no time to stop — to the fort — to the fort, — 
when within 200 yards of the fort my intention was to display [deploy?] 
or rather form in to lines as each company came up and charge imme- 

^^The Obispado, usually described as the Bishop's Palace. 



144 TENNESSEE HISTORICAL MAGAZINE 

diately on the fort, but the fire from the artillery of the fort and the 
small arms in which the head of the line was now in range of, caused 
some confusion in the first company and the second filed off to the left 
and the next to the left of that and so on successively until the line 
was imperfectly formed to the left of the first company. Just at this 
moment the fire was most galling and destructive and caused my whole 
command to recoil and fall back 15 or 20 paces which left me between 
them and the fort. I hastened to ride to them and get in rear and by all 
artifice of language — ^by threats and by commands, I halted them and or- 
dered them to form in line and charge the fort, — I found so much dismay, 
that I then apealed to the ofiicers to lead their companies by the flank to 
the fort, — this appeal was successful and away they went, — before they 
reached the fort the Mexicans took to their heels and as our men as- 
cended the wall they gave them a volley of musketry which told well upon 
them as they ran off. There was a large stone house with a flat roof 
in rear of the fort about 30 yds. which had parapet walls and sand bags 
upon the walls and was used as a breast work and 2 or 300 musket men 
were stationed on that building to annoy us in our approach to the fort. 
They also took to flight. The Mississippi Regt. was on my right and gal- 
lantly came up to the charge and rushed forward with my men, but my 
Regt. being more directly in front of the fort and nearer to it than the 
Miss. Regt. reached it sooner and were the command that stormed the 
fort. There was a large fort about 400 yds. in rear of the one taken 
which kept up so constant and heavy fire upon us that it was not deemed 
prudent not to advance upon it, and the men sheltered themselves as well 
as they could behind the walls and houses. I was shortly called on by 
my Brigadier Genl. Quitman to move my command up a street more in 
front of the city to sustain the battery of Capt. Ridgley.^^ I got together 
as many as I could and passed up a street about 400 yds. under a severe 
and constant cross fire from the enemy of artillery and small arms. 
Ridgley fired a few times and concluded he could effect nothing at that 
point and we returned with him to the fort that we had taken under the 
same deadly fire, having lost two men killed on this street and one badly 
if not mortally wounded. The Ohio Regt. was engaged further up town 
but not in so hot a place as the Ten. and Miss. Regts. were and several 
Regular Regts. were also engaged and some of them suffered much. But 
off [sic] all the Regts. who were on that day engaged in battle or have 
since been engaged none have suffered half so much as the Tennessee 
Regt. I left camp on the morning of the 21st Sept. with 384 officers and 
men, all told. In the rapid march to the field of battle many fell out of 
line from fatigue and other causes such as fear, — so that when I arrived 
within 200 yds. of the fort I had less than 300. My killed on that day 
amounted to 27, and my wounded to T]. 2 of the wounded have since 
died and six or seven more are mortally wounded. 

This report of my killed and wounded, will tell where my Regt. were 
in the fight and whether they were in a hot place or not. No Regt. suf- 
fered half so much, and my only surprise and wonder is that the regi- 
ment did not run off the field like a gang of wild turkeys, before such a 
destructive fire. I was untouched throughout the whole fight, and that 
seems to be providential, as I was dressed in full uniform with my large 
red sash around me and mounted and along my lines all the time far 
more exposed than any of my men. I was in all my efforts on that day 
most actively and energetically sustained by my Lieut. Col. Saml. R. 
Anderson, who on that day proved himself to be a most gallant and 
brave officer, who was equally exposed on horseback with myself on the 
field and also escaped unhurt — a ball tearing his cap and another passing 

^''Randolph Ridgely, captain 3rd Artillery. 



MEXICAN WAR LETTERS OF W. B. CAMPBELL 145 

through his horse's mouth, but doing but Httle injury to him. My Adjt. 
Lieut. Heimen™ was also on horseback during the action and behaved 
most gallantly. My Major R. B. Alexander was wounded badly early 
in the action and had to retire from the field before the hot work came 
on. He is a gallant and brave man, and was a loss to the Regt. The 
next day, the 22d, but little was done on the north and ea.st side of the 
town, we held on to what we had gained. On the West the work went 
bravely on under Genl. Worth, and redoubt after redoubt was taken imtil 
the Bishop's Castle also fell. Worth opened a cannonade from the hills 
south of the town on the town and on the 23d Worth came down into 
the west end of the town and an attack was made by my Regt., the Miss. 
Regt, and a Texan Regt. on the East end and the fire was kept up all 
day on the 22 and 23. I was down with inflammation of the bowels, 
which I think I got hurt on the 21st, but on the 23d nothing decisive 
occurred except that Worth placed his command almost in the heart of 
the city. On the morning of the 24 the Mexicans sent in a, flag for terms 
and hostilities ceased and Genl. Taylor and Genl. Ampudia occupied all 
that day in negotiating and about dark finally agreed that the Mexican 
army should march out with their arms with the honors of war and take 
with them one battery of artillery, and that they should march off beyond 
the River Carnadors [?] which is the mountain pass to Saltillo about 45 
miles distance, and not to approach Monterey nearer than Lanares'" and 
other designated points for 8 weeks during which time hostilities are to 
cease. The object of this cessation is to hear from the respective Gov- 
ernments in the hope that peace may be made without further effusion 
of blood. 

Genl. Worth is evidently the hero of the Monterey battle, and in my 
opinion the most military officer in the army. Genl. Taylor seems to be 
a gallant old fellow — honest, blunt and plain, but I fear not genius enough 
for a commander. I feel like but little genlship was displayed in the sac- 
rifice of my poor Regiment. I cannot learn who is the responsible man for 
placing them before the fort, as Genl. Taylor says he did not intend it 
and Genl. Quitman says he acted under orders — so the matter stands. I 
make no complaint about it and say nothing. Genl. Twiggs is an old 
granny and is unfit for a commander. Genl Butler is a fine Gallant gen- 
tleman, was shot through the leg early on Monday morning and left the 
field. One of my Capts. — W. M. Allen and Lieut. Putman were killed 
dead — several of the officers were wounded, Lieut. Allen has lost his leg 
since by amputation. The whole number of killed in the 3 days fights 
does not reach to one hundred and the wounded does not reach to 300. 
I am now satisfied with war and I would like to get home and I do 
hope peace will be made. I do not fear danger when it is necessary to 
expose one's self, and I was exposed enough on the 21st for the exposure 
of 20 battles. I wish to return to my little ones and wife, and am willing 
to quit off with the fame I have gained on the 21st before Monterey. 
Lieut. Col. Anderson desires me to present you with his highest regards — 
that he would be much gratified to make your acquaintance. He is as 
worthy a man as he is a good soldier. 

II. Camp Allen Near Monterey, November 2, 1846. 

I can only write you a short letter to day to let you know of my 
continuous good health, and that the general health of the army is now 
very good. Soon after the battle there were many cases of chills and 

'»A. Heiman. 
^"Probably Linares. 



146 TENNESSEE HISTORICAL MAGAZINE 

fevers throughout the whole army, but that has now almost entirely sub- 
sided. It has been extremely dull in camp since the battle, and every one 
is anxiously awaiting the news from Washington, and hoping that some 
arrangements will soon be made by the two hostile Governments that will 
bring about a peace. In fact, every branch of the army is in favor of 
peace. The privations of a campaign in a foreign land are far more 
serious than was anticipated by many who entered the service, and now 
that they have suffered nutch from disease and have met the enemy, they 
sigh heavily for their homes and friends. But for myself I feel deter- 
mined to give myself no uneasiness and to hold on patiently to the end, 
although my business at home needs my attention very much, and the 
very desponding, depressed state of feelings on the part of my wife 
arouses my anxiety, yet I will pass through the whole service with the 
heart and bearing of a soldier. 

There is much speculation throughout the army as to what movement 
will be next made by the army. Tis reported here on what is regarded 
as reliable authority, that Genl. St. Anna^^ is at St. Louis Potosi, with 
about 12 or 14,000 men and placing that place in a state of defense as if 
he anticipated an attack upon it from our army, and the reports are that 
the Mexicans are raising an army of 30 or 40,000 men. This does not 
look like they intended suing for peace. It is about 350 miles from here 
to St. Louis Potosi through the mountains to Saltillio and thence much of 
the road passes over arid plains destitute of water, and it will be a most 
difficult mater for an army to pass from Saltillio to St. Louis Potosi, 
and that expedition cannot be undertaken without a large army and well 
apportioned train and ample supplies. In fact it is the universal opinion 
here amongst military men that an expedition to St. Louis Potosi ought 
not to be vmdertaken, — that it would be much less expensive in men and 
in money to take Vera Cruz than to take St. Louis. 

There is a general impression here now that the next movement of 
our army will be to Tampico, and that the expedition will be put under 
the command of some other Genl. than Taylor. I have no doubt but 
you will see a settled course of attack upon Genl. Taylor by all the 
administration prints throughout the Union, charging him with misman- 
agement, etc. His fame and success is giving great uneasiness to the 
administration and they will now feel more anxiety to cut Taylor ofif, 
than to put an end to the war. 

His movement upon Monterey and his success when truly represented 
is a most brilliant affair for he was most poorly supplied with transporta- 
tion and could on[ly] bring up here about 6,000 men, officers and all, and 
but a small park of artillery and a very limited supply of provisions. Still 
he succeeded in taking one of the strongest fortified towns in Mexico and 
overcoming an army much larger than his which was fort [fie] d and behind 
the very strongest entrenchments. I regard the success at Monterey as 
far more signal and on a much larger scale than the battles at Palo Alto 
and at Ressica de la Palma and it is so regarded here by our millitary 
men. The whole effective force of Genl. Taylor on the morning of the 
battle including officers and all was 6,200 and the enemy had near 10,000 
and upwards of 40 pieces of cannon, while we had less than half that 
number. They abundantly supplied with ammunition and our supply very 
limited and our provisions still more limited. 

Under all the circums^nces a great victory was gained with compara- 
tively speaking very limited means and a small force. 

'^Santa Anna. 
s^Tamaulipas. 



MEXICAN WAR LETTERS OF W. B. CAMPBELL 147 

Nov. 3d. 

The report to day from St. Louis Potosi is that about one half of the 
army at that place was in favor of making St. Anna Dictator and the 
other half opposed to it and that he and the army had gone to Mexico to 
settle the differences there. Should this news be correct the Enemy are in 
a still more distracted State and will not be able to concentrate an army 
any where but at the City of Mexico. It is believed here upon the best 
information that can be had that there are at Tampico 4 or 5,000 troops 
and that the fortifications at that point are very strong. But should an 
army of 6,000 men march upon that place it will certainly fall. It is most 
true that the Mexicans will not fight in the open field and that even behind 
walls and in forts they soon give up if attacked with spirit. Genl. Pat- 
terson is a man for show and parade and although he may be brave yet 
you will see that if he has a separate command he [will] not distinguish 
himself, besides he has not force of character with the army. It would 
be a great misfortune to the army and to the country should Genl. Taylor 
be displaced or superceeded in the command, as he is considered brave 
to a proverb and a fortunate commander and carries great moral weight 
with him in the army. 

12. Monterey, November 9, 1846. 

As the mail leaves here once a week, and tomorrow is the day for its 
departure I must write you a few lines, that you and my Aunt may know 
that my health continues to be excellent, and that I am yet at this place 
with my Regt. awaiting the orders of our General. I have had so much 
business to crowd on me to day that I have been cut out of the time I 
intended to appropriate to writing to you. But I must write even if it 
should be brief. The armistice of Genl. Taylor was promptly disapproved 
of at Washington and the previous orders to him reiterated, which was to 
advance. Genl. Taylor has sent a notice to the officer commanding at 
St. Louis Potosi, informing him that our Government had disapproved of 
the armistice and that it was at an end. So that now I may say that 
hostilities have begun again. The armistice really was of as much or 
more service to our army than to the enemy, as it was impossible for 
Genl. Taylor to get supplies of subsistence and ammunition here sufficient 
to begin a march even on Saltillio in less than eight weeks, — for he had 
moved his army here with very limited means of transportation and with 
but little subsistence and not much ammunition. But so great was his 
anxiety to move forward that he really put too much to hazard in com- 
ing to this place without more means of transportation. There has been 
a most shameful remissness [?] in the Quartermaster's department in not 
supplying Genl. Taylor with the means of transportation as will fully 
appear when the matter shall be investigated. He has not now the means 
to move forward as all our provisions (except what beef we get from the 
Mexicans) are drawn by wagons from Carmago. a distance of one hun- 
dred and fifty miles. Genl. Wool has reached Monclova with his division 
and has written to Genl. Taylor that he cannot move on Chihuahua, as it 
will be impracticable for him to do so. therefore I conjecture that he will 
move down to Saltillio and unite with and co-operate with Genl. Taylor 
in future movements. Tomorrow Genl. Worth moves off to Saltillio with 
800 men, to take possession of that place which will offer no resistance. 
Genl. Taylor will go there too for the purpose of informing himself as to 
the practicability of moving on St. Louis Potosi. If he should conclude 
not to advance on that place and I think he cannot with the men and 
means at his command, he will move in the direction of Tampico and co- 
operate with Genl. Patterson in an expedition to that place. All yet is in 



148 TENNESSEE HISTORICAL MAGAZINE 

doubt and unsettled as to the future movements of the army. Genl. Tay- 
lor is the safest Genl. now in Mexico and I prefer to be with him above 
any who are here. He has experience, good sense, a good military man 
and prudent, and withal a most kind, amiable and excellent gentleman. 
He will not foolishly put to hazard his army for the sake of making fame 
for himself. Most of the other high in rank officers are out here on a 
political tour to gain reputation to give them importance when they shall 
return home and they will look to no other consideration than their own 
distinction. They are all jealous of each other and are constantly back- 
biting each other, and all these Democratic Gen's, and Col's, and Major's 
and officer's [sic] and men are striking at Genl. Taylor whom they fear 
may be taken up for the Presidency and whose fame they are now jealous 
of. I feel myself not safe amongst men who seem to have no other 
object here but to advance the political party to which they owe their 
elevation. And they will give no quarters to a Whig if he should fall 
in their power. I have no confidence in either Genl. Paterson or Genl. 
Pillow or Genl. Quitman. I have seen enough of them to be well sat- 
isfied that all their sence [sic] of justice and ambition lies in advancing 
the interests of their party and gaining some capital for themselves, and 
any poor Whig who fell under their power would fare badly. They are 
all men of small minds and of contracted and selfish views, and will never 
distinguish themselves unless by accident. To be commanded by Pillow 
is bad enough for me, yet to bear his attempts to injure or mortify me 
will be hard indeed, but I shall bear with it until my term of service 
shall expire and then I shall be free to make some of these minions of 
party feel me. I have hope that I will not be separated from the army 
under the immediate command of Genl. Taylor and if it should be so I 
shall not fear their injustice or their attempts to injure me. 

The President has required Genl. Taylor to employ Pillow and Shields 
and- Patterson and has intimated to him that he wished an expedition 
set on foot to Tampico, to be under the management of Patterson, Pillow 
and Shields to be his coadjutors, and Genl. Taylor will feel disposed as 
any Genl. should to favour the views and wishes of the President, and if 
he finds he cannot march on St. Louis Potosi, — the expedition to Tampico 
will be set on foot, and Genl. Taylor will move with such portion of the 
army as can be spared from here, by the way of Lanares and Victoria 
and cooperate with Genl. Patterson who will move from Carmago with 
the main body destined for Tampico and may form a conjunction at 
Victoria. Or Genl. Taylor may place himself in such a position so as to 
cooperate with Patterson if necessary, or sustain the force here if neces- 
sary. I consider the instructions from Washington so far as I am in- 
formed of them calculated to cramp and to cripple Genl. Taylor. He has 
been badly treated by the Quartermaster's Dept. Had he been supplied 
with transportation he could have entered Monterey by the ist of August 
at the furthest. It is reported that there are about S.ooo men at Tampico, 
which place is distant from here 400 miles, it is near the same distance 
from Carmago. Genl. St. Anna is at St. Louis Potosi with about 1,500 
men and is said to be fortifying that place, and if so he does not intend 
to give us battle in the open field, but will post himself in forts and forti- 
fied towns. The route from Saltillio to St. Louis Potosi is about 300 
miles and much of the way is barren and badly watered, only supplied 
by ponds and tanks which can be easily drained and we may expect much 
difficulty in making that march on account of the scarcity of water. 

The route to Tampico from here is through a fine country, fertile and 
well watered, and no difficulty will be experienced on that route. I hear 
by a letter from my wife that you contemplate a visit to Tennessee this 
fall and if so you may be there now, for I have had no letter from you 



MEXICAN WAR LETTERS OF W. B. CAMPBELL 149 

for 2 weeks. I should rejoice to meet you at my home, but that pleasure 
must be denied me now. 

This is a most pleasant and healthy country and the whole army here 
have fine health with the exception of chills and fevers, which are rnild 
and are caused by the change of weather and the exposure of camp life. 
I have lost eight of those who were wounded in the battle, the remainder 
of the wounded are fast recovering and some have been discharged and 
are on their way home. Nothing would be more agreeable to the whole 
army than the news of peace. All are tired of this country and would 
rejoice at the prospect of a return to their homes. But I think peace 
will not be made soon, as Mexico will not submit to the terms which 
our Government will impose. They cannot submit to be deprived of 
California after the loss of Texas, and nothing but the conquest by us 
oi their Capitol will force them to such a humiliation. They will give 
us more trouble than heretofore. The invasion and conquest of so large 
a portion of their territory will unite them and they will feel the neces- 
sity of union and that they are fighting for their homes. But we are now 
into the war and we must fight on until our enemy will agree to satiate 
the appetite of our President for new domains. 

I am much pleased with my acquaintance with Genl. Worth, who seems 
to have taken a particular fancy to me. I find and have made many very 
agreeable acquaintances in the army. I am now daily engaged in drilling 
my Regt. which I have under very good discipline, although it is now 
cut down by deaths and discharges to about 500 officers and men. It 
acquired a good name in the battle and is regarded by all as a tried Regt. 
and to be reHed on in an emergency. 

13. Camp Allen, Near Monterey, Mexico, December 7, 1846. 

Since the battle of Monterey I have written several letters to you, not 
less than three, but I do not remember the number. I also wrote one 
(not a very short one) to Col. John Campbell, and may have given some 
details not written to you. I hope you have seen that letter. For many 
weeks past we have had no occurrence of interest, nothing but the daily 
rounds of camp duty and a stationary camp life is exceedingly monotonous 
and wearisome. I have I may say never for a moment faltered in the 
discharge of my duties, being very strict myself in conforming in all things 
to the army regulations, a copy of which I have as well as Scotts disci- 
pline (the latest edition) and I have given them much of my time. I am 
very familiar with company and regimental drill and exercise my Regt. 
daily Sundays not excepted, which is allotted to inspection. I am also 
familiar with the regulations of the army and the rules and articles of 
war. I have never slept away from my command, but one night since 
I left New Orleans, and then I visited Matamoras to see Genl. Taylor 
on business. I think I may boast that no officer in the army of any 
rank is more attentive to his duties than I am. I write of rnyself, but 
I need not apologize to you for it. Genl. Taylor has determined on a 
movement south along the base of the Siera Madre to the East to Lanares 
and Victoria, and he leaves here in a few days with Genl. Twiggs' division 
and Genl. Quitman's Brigade and some few companies of dragoons and 
riflemen. The whole force will amount to upwards of 2000 men. I know 
not the design of this move and have no probable conjecture as all is 
speculation relative to it. It may be to take possession of the Province 
of Tanaulipass [sic], and open a communication along the base of the 
Siera Madre to Tampico, and he may intend to explore and satisfy him- 
self whether there is a practicable route to St. Louis Potosi or to the 
City of Mexico from Tampico. Genl. Wool has been ordered to march 
his force to Parras a fine town situated in the great grain district, on 



150 TENNESSEE HISTORICAL MAGAZINE 

the road to Durango about 80 miles from Saltillio, and the report in camp 
is that he has already reached Parras and took 1000 sacks of flour destined 
for St. Louis Potosi. Thus the whole of North Mexico is now sub- 
jugated I may say the states of Tamaulipas, Coahuila, Chihauhua, Santa 
Fe,'' Neuvo Lean,^* North Calafornia and Monclovas^" are over run by 
our arms. I am of the opinion that, we will not get another fight out of 
these Mexicans, until our army marches upon some of the large cities 
towards the capitol. It is believed that Genl Santa Anna is at St. Louis 
Potosi with a large army, at least 25,000 but he will not venture to meet 
the Americans in the field. Your letter of the 24th October was received 
a few days ago, and I agree with your views fully that this country should 
not have been invaded by so small a force. Had there been 2000 more 
men here on the 21st Sept. the town could have been taken by investing 
it without the loss of a single man. They had no provisions laid up in 
store for a siege and I think it probable that they will never be found 
able to stand a siege of a few weeks in any of their fortified towns. 
They have no salt provisions and depend alone upon cattle driven in 
from the range to sustain an army. I am now much engaged in putting 
my command in condition for the march, getting them cloathed, etc. It 
is about 100 miles to Lanares and 200 miles to Victoria from here, and 
although we will have pleasant weather for marching, it is a long march 
for troops on foot. The weather here yet has been as mild as your sum- 
mers at Abingdon, the sun is very hot during the day, but the nights 
are cool and vegitation is still going on, many fields of corn are quite 
green yet and blossoms are abundant. Nor has there been a rain since 
the night of the 21st of Sept. heavy enough to wet the ground one inch 
deep. The springs of water run flush and pure but warm. I have 
drank no water fresh from the fountain in this region but what would 
be called by you warm water, yet after standing in the shade or through 
the night it becomes cool and very pleasant. The air is generally colder 
than the fountains of water. I wrote you that the mountain scenery 
here is the finest I ever saw. No part of the Allegheny is to compare 
with it either in abruptness or in hight, the tops terminating in cones and 
peaks, constantly exhibiting a cloudlike appearance. Although this is the 
finest soil and climate joined I have any knowledge of yet it never will 
be much of a country while occupied by the present race. They are all 
semi Indians and must in a short time give place to the civilization of 
North America or North Europe. I had a letter from my wife from 
Nashville, she was on a short visit there about the 9th Novr. I regretted 
to learn that you had had the trouble of a trip to Knoxville to meet 
Virginia and was disappointed in not meeting with her, — she not being 
sufficiently restored to health to go on. I feel very proud of the present 
of your sword, now that I have had the chance to do something that makes 
me in some small degree worthy of it. I hope if you have sent it to Ten- 
nessee, it will not be sent to me here, for I fear it may be lost on the 
way. I have an excellent field blade, well suited to my arm, and an ad- 
ditional sword would be an incumbrance here. I wrote to James Campbell 
today and requested him to say for me through the papers at Nashville 
that I would not be a [candidate] for Governor or member of Congress 
at the next election. When I get through this service I wish to go home 
and attend to my private business. I would willingly continue in the 
army had I a permanent command and of the rank I think I am entitled 
to, but I know Mr. Polk would not appoint me to any thing and I will 
not engage in the volunteer service. It is too much trouble and re- 
sponsibility for the honor. He that undertakes to command a volunteer 

3'Santa Fe. 
3*Nuevo Leon. 
^^Monclova. 



MEXICAN WAR LETTERS OF W. B. CAMPBELL 151 

Regt. will have his hands full. In the volunteer service the officers are 
constantly subjected to a public opinion even in camp, which has an 
influence upon him [sic] in spite of all the regulations of the army. The 
soldiers are writing home constantly and can annoy an officer very much 
and then when the short term of service is over he goes back to a society 
composed in part of his soldiers, but in the Regular Army it is very 
different, no opinions of theirs of their officers goes to the states nor has 
it any influence upon them. They are but machines and obey implicitly 
without murmur. Hence it is an impossible task to drill and discipline 
an army of volunteers like the Regular Army. My Regt. has fine character 
with Genl. Taylor and the whole army for its good demeanor and its 
being under good command, and although it is well drilled for volunteers, 
yet it is far behind the regular Corps, in drill and neatness and economy, 
etc. But at Monterey the volunteers fought as well as the regulars and 
really did more, for at the North East end of the town the fortified 
works that were taken was done by volunteers, — still I would much 
prefer to command Regulars. 1 will write you on the march, at Lanares 
and at Victoria. I shall be anxious to hear of your safe return to Abing- 
don and of your and the health of my dear aunt. Direct to me "of the 
1st Ten. Regt. Army of Occupation Mexico," and the letters will be 
given the proper destination, — pay the postage, — they will not be forwarded 
to me unless some friend should pay the postage and send them on. 

14. Camp Near Victoria, Mexico, January 2d, 1847. 

Not yet having my mind relieved from the cares and troubles of a long 
march, I can only write you a short letter, that you and my dear Aunt 
may be informed that I am alive, in good health and have reached this 
place in safety with my command Genl. Taylor intended to have come 
here at the head of the army, but on the evening of the 17th Dec. after 
we reached Montemorales^" about 60 miles from Monterey, an express 
overtook him from Genl. Worth from Saltillio, informing him that he 
(Worth) was threatened by a large force from St. Louis Potosi. Genl. 
Taylor instantly concluded to return and on the next morning set out 
with all his regular force, except one battery of 4 guns, left under com- 
mand of Lieut. Thomas. Since he left we have not heard one word from 
him. At Montemorales, we were joined by the 2d Tennessee Regt. and 
Genl. Quitman was placed in command of the whole force left to march 
on Victoria. It was organized on the i8th Dec. into a field Division, 
composed of 2 brigades — the ist compose;d of the 2 Tennessee Regts and 
placed under my command, Genl. Pillow having returned to New Orleans 
in bad health and the other made up of the Georgia and Mississippi 
Regts. and Baltimore Battallion, commanded by Col. Jackson of the 
Georgia Regt. Thus organized we proceeded on the march to this place. 
The whole command numbered about 2200 men and about 100 wagons 
and 300 pack mules The march was most successful, not having lost a 
man or a wagon on the whole way. The enemy had about 1000 cavalry 
at this (place) but on our approach they crossed the mountains to Tula 
at which place the Mexicans have a force of 5 or 6000 men. It is 90 miles 
distant from here, but the road is impassable for artillery and wagons. 
We left Monterey on the 14th Dec. and reached here on the 29th. Vic- 
toria is the capital of the State of Tamailepas [sic] has a population of 
3 or 400, most of them very poor. Yet about the town there are some 
very good looking and intelligent peple. On the day of our arrival, the 
whole force marched into the main plaza of the town and had the Amer- 
ican flag hoisted over the State house at a present arms. I am now en- 
camped with the whole division 2 miles from town and in command of the 

'"Montemorelos or Monte Morelos. 



152 TENNESSEE HISTORICAL MAGAZINE 

camp, Genl. Quitman having taken his quarters in town with the artillery 
and a few companies for a gard. [sic] It is now most delightful summer 
weather here and I see them daily cutting and grinding sugar cane and 
ploughing and planting also. Nor can anything equal the fruits of this 
count [r]y — the orange and date. The whole course of our march from 
Monterey here was along the base of the great range of the Sierra Madre, 
never more than 5 or 6 miles distant, and every few miles passing the 
finest streams of water I ever beheld even more flush and pure than the 
streams of Washington Va in summer. But the count [t]ry is very thinly 
inhabited. Coidonto,", Lanares and Victoria have each a population of 
3 or 4000, Ville Grand''* and Hidalgo less than a 1000 each and but few 
settlements on the road between the towns, but the road was laid out 
[on] the high ground and the settlements are all on the streams and on 
lands that can be irrigated. In the rainy season this road would have 
been impassable on account of the many large creeks or small runs and 
no means of bridging or ferrying. The whole country from the Moun- 
tains to the Gulph is without large timber. 

Genl. Patterson left Matamoras on the 20th Deer, with 3 regiments — 
2 Illinois foot and one Tennessee Cavalry, — in all about 1600 or 2000 
men. He has also 2 companies of artillery. It was intended that the 
two forces should meet here about the same time, but Genl. P. will not 
be here before the 6th inst. He will be the general in command of this 
division, and what will be done I have no conjecture. It is thought we 
will pass the mountains and move on Tula and attack the force there. 
I have no acquaintance with Genl. Patterson, but from what I hear of 
him he will not do for a commander. He is vain, proud, self conceited 
and in military matters decidedly ignorant, so I think he will not do at 
all. Genl. Quitman is weak, vain, ignorant, ambitious to do something 
to signalize himself, and has the supreme contempt of nearly every officer 
in the command. Nor is he liked by the men. He will not do at all 
for a commander. I deeply regretted to be separated from Genl. Taylor 
but I could not help it I have no confidence in Patterson or Quitman 
and you need not be surprised at the news of disaster under their com- 
mand. The army is very healthy and this is the proper season for cam- 
paigning in this country. The fall and winter is healthy and dry and the 
waters low and passable. I hope Genl. Pillow will soon return to his 
command for I have no desire to occupy a position I am placed in by 
accident. If the President gave me the command of a Brigade I should 
command it with pleasure but I prefer my own Regt. under present cir- 
cumstances. I have had no letter from you since about the 20th Octo. 
and now that we have no way open to the sea I know not when I shall 
hear from you. 

[Postscript.] You will direct to me in the army commanded by Genl. 
Patterson at Victoria Mexico. It will then follow me. David Cummings 
is with the 2d Regt. from Ten. is the Lieut. Col. — is in good health a 
very clever fellow, very amiable, but no part of a military man. 

15. Camp Lagonna de Puerta, Tampico, January 26, 1847. 

I arrived here on the 24th inst. from Victoria after a very fatiguing 
march and am now encamped with my Regiment ten miles north of 
Tampico. The health of the army is very good, and all is now preparation 
for the expedition to Vera Cruz. Genl. Scott is daily expected at Tampico, 
and until his arrival nothing can be definitely counted on. Genl. Taylor 
received his despatches at Victoria, and immediately returned with a small 
force to Monterey, where he will be continued in command. It is now 

3TCadereita(?). 
"Villa Grande. 



MEXICAN WAR LETTERS OF W. B. CAMPBELL 153 

understood here that Genl. Scott will have a force of about 12000 men 
for the Vera Cruz expedition. He will have Genl. Quitmans Brigade 
composed of the Georgia, Alabama Regts. and Baltimore BattaUion; — 
Genl. Pillows Brigade composed of the three Tennessee Regts., Genl. 
Shields Brigade in part composed of two Illinois Regts., and between 4 
and 5000 regulars. Genl. Worth and Genl. Twiggs will be in command of 
the Regulars. I can give you no reliable views about the expedition, 
as it is all new to me and I am going ahead to any point I may be 
ordered, without question. 

I was in Tampico a few hours on yesterday and found it quite a pleas- 
ant town, more American than any I have seen in Mexico, with a popu- 
lation of 4 or 5000. It is well stocked with goods, and eadibles [sic] and 
makes a soldier from the interior feel as if he had got back to his own 
land. The country from Victoria to this place is very thinly settled, 
being very dry and destitute of water at this season of the year, and 
we had to make long marches to reach water. We however got on well 
and had no mishaps and the command is in good health and will do good 
service before the wall of St. Juan Ulloa.^" My health is excellent, and 
I am more able to stand the camp life better than I have been in several 
years. I have received several letters from you and one lately from my 
friend Col. John Campbell. I thank you both sincerely. Present him 
with my sincere affection and that I shall be glad to hear often from him. 
Tell my dear Aunt that I often think of her when I behold the innumer- 
able curiosities which the vegetable kingdom of this country produces. 
I know how well she would enjoy the sight of varieties of the cactus, 
the Palms, and other plants the names of which I am not acquainted 
with, and then the orange, the date, the plantin and Banana are here in 
great perfection. I have seen a thorn and curiosities that I would like 
to transmit home and to my Aunt, but I can do no more than to admire 
them and regret that I have to leave them behind. 

16. Camp Near Tampico^ Mexico, February 19th, 1847. 

Your letter of the isth January was received today. I have had no 
letter of a later date than the 12th December. How it is that my letters 
have miscarried I cannot conjecture. 

Genl. Scott arrived here today from Brasos Sant lago and has issued 
orders for an immediate embarkation of the force at this place for Vera 
Cruz. There are not at this place enough transports for the whole force 
here, but transports are hourly expected so that in three or four days it is 
believed we shall all be off. I look upon this expedition to Vera Cruz 
as having began too late and that the troop [s] will be in very great danger 
from the climate of that most sickly place. We cannot expect to be on 
land at Vera Cruz before the loth of March and should the place take 
from four to six weeks to reduce it we will find that sickness will begin 
it[s] dreadful ravages in our ranks. But we have no alternative but to 
go ahead and stand the utmost hazard of the game. I fear that there is 
such a thirst for military distinction amongst our Generals, that they 
will be willing to make any sacrifice of human life to gratify their am- 
bition. Vera Cruz is a most sickly place, being afflicted with yellow fever 
nine months in the year and the vomita as malignant nearly as that of 
Africa. I would not have you think that I am desponding — on the contrary 
I have constantly a fine flow of spirits and rarely feel the least depression 
of spirits. From what I learn Genl. Scott calculates on reducing Vera 
Cruz in a short time, and then march on Jalappa,*" Puebla and the city of 

^^San Juan de Ulua. 

^''Jalapa. ' 



154 TENNESSEE HISTORICAL MAGAZINE 

Mexico, so that if he succeeds in his plans we shall have some fighting 
before walled towns, besides that of Vera Cruz. 

In relation to the claim which Col. Davis" has set up for the Mis- 
sissippi in taking the fort No. i at the battle of Monterey. It is most 
presumptuous, and as soon as I have time to devote to that subject, I 
will expose his false statements. When the division of Genl. Butler was 
drawn up in line of battle about one mile from the town fronting the 
town, — Genl. Hamers Brigade on the right and to the west, Genl. Quit- 
mans on the left and to the east, — The Ten. Regt. on the right of Genl. 
Quitmans Brigade, — while in this position we heard the fire of artillery 
which was followed by a heavy fire of musketry, towards the east end of 
the town on the north front opposite to the extreme left of the Division, 
the Miss. Regt. being on the extreme left. The order was given to me by 
the aid[e] of Genl. Quitman (Lieut. Nickols)^'^ to move my regiment 
by the left flank to the support of the troop that were engaged, where 
we heard the firing. I immediately faced the Regt. by the left flank and 
marched past [the] front of the Miss. Regt. and took the road which led 
in the direction of the firing. Just as the head of my line entered the 
road and before the whole Regt. had passed the Miss. Regt. a part of 
the 4th infantry rushed into the road ahead of me and caused a small 
delay until they had got into the road. I led my Regt. and followed on 
the heels of the three companies of the 4th infantry, followed by the 
Miss. Regt. all marching in line of two files and at a rapid step. In the 
rapid march the line was very much extended and probably covered 
one half more space, than it would in a slow march and on parade. The 
fire upon the head of the line of the 4th infantry caused them to file to 
the right and out of the road which led in the direction of the fort, but 
to the right of it about 35 yards. Their movement to the right, placed 
me in full view of the work and gave me a clear field, having no orders 
but what I have named above, and not seeing Genl. Quitman I moved 
on steadily but rapidly down the road until I perceived that the road 
passed the fort to the right. I left the road and took a straight course 
towards it through the bushes which were from 2 to 3 feet high, followed 
by my Regt. and on arriving within one hundred yards of the north 
west angle of the fort, I left the head of line and ordered the 
companies to file out to the left, so as to form the line to the left and 
in front of the north side of the fort ; the head of the line stopped and 
without orders the whole line as it was forming or moving out to form 
began to fire. I had ordered a charge, but could not be heard for the fir- 
ing or if heard was not obeyed, and I instantly ordered the firing to 
stop and to charge the fort. I passed along the line with great rapidity 
calling loudly to stop the firing and to rush upon the fort. I was seconded 
in this by my Lieut. Col. and my Adjutant. The firing was stopped 
and in a few second[s] I got the whole line under way in the charge. 
It was a raw[?] and a very irregular line, for the firing was so de- 
structive as to break the lines and to produce confusion. I still had no 
orders from any quarter. I saw Genl. Quitman while I was rallying my 
Regt. at work in the Miss, which by this time had come down and taken 
position on the right of my Regt., to the left of the Miss, not up to the 
right of mine and as I think in rear and lapping over on my line, and they 
were firing. So soon as I got my Regt. to move off, the Miss. Regt. 

*iThe controversy between the First Tennessee Regiment and the Mississippians 
under Colonel Jefferson Davis is detailed in Reminiscences of a Campaign in Mexico, 
chapter XVIII. For accounts of the battle representing the point of view of 
Colonel Davis and the Mississippi Regiment see Alfriend, F. A., The Life of Jeffer- 
son Davis (1868), chapter III, and Jefferson Davis . . . A Memoir by His Wife 
(1890), volume I, chapters XXIV, XXV. 

^2W. A. Nichols. 



MEXICAN WAR LETTERS OF W. B. CAMPBELL 155 

moved also and we rushed simultaneously to the charge. But you will 
observe that I had taken my position first in front of the north front 
of the fort, my right resting at about 95 yards from the North west 
corner of the fort and the line extending thence to the east slightly 
obliking [sic] from the fort so that the extreme left was about 130 years 
from the fort, and along on this alignment lay my killed and wounded, 
and the killed were buried on the ground where they fell and there are 
now their graves and bones. I did not dismount until I approached near 
the fort seeing that I could not pass the ditch on horseback and when 
I dismounted many of my Regt. were on the walls firing at the retreat- 
ing Mexicans and were the first to enter the work. When I dismounted 
many of my Regt. were behind me, and it was there that I called to 
them to come on or follow me, and when I entered the fort many of 
my Regt. and a large number of the Miss. Regt. came up and passed on. 
I passed through to the large tannery or fortified house and was giving 
some directions to some men who were firing from the top of it when 
my horse was brought to me and I galloped down into town where a 
portion of my Regt. had gone. I did not enter the tannery. It was 
inside of that building that Col. McCling" was shot, and where the prison- 
ers were taken. I did not see Col. Davis during the fight; he was on 
foot and in citizens dress. Col. McCling was also on foot. Nor did I 
receive any order from Genl. Quitman until after the fort was taken. 
He says he gave an order to Lieut. Col. Anderson, who was on the left 
of the Regt. and near to him, to charge. Col. Anderson says that when 
spoken to by Genl. Quitman the Regt. was actually moving and under 
way in the charge. After the fort was taken the two Regt.[s] became 
very much intermingled and the onward move into the town was irregu- 
lar and intermixed. 

Col. Davis's and my Regt. were united in one Brigade at Camargo. 
On the day of our first march together my Regt. moved off in front. 
We alternated each day throughout the march to Monterey, but when 
drawn up in line of battle, I was on the right, and Genl. Butler misapplies 
terms, when he states that the Miss. Regt. being [sic] in front. When the 
line should be faced to the left they would be in front, but I immediately 
filed or marched past them and became the front or leading Regt. [the whole 
Brigade marching by the left flank.]" Nothing is more ridiculous and 
untrue , than the insinuation of Col. Davis that he passed through or by 
my Regt. He says he stopped and fired 10 minutes. I am confident my 
Regt. did not make [a]*^ pause more than 5 or 7 minutes and of course 
my rear came up to the alignment as soon as the front of the Miss. Regt. 
It is a miserable falsehood that the shot of the enemy passed over the 
heads of the Miss. Regt. and took effect on the main army in its rear. 
No portion of any force was in rear of the Miss. Regt. The Miss. 
Regt. formed to the right and west of mine and were rather opposite to 
the west front of the fort but not directly before it. The universal senti- 
ment of the army is against the presumptious claim of Col. Davis. Col. 
Davis says that his Regt. being youngest in service was thrown forward 
on account of its merits. Now there was not a volunteer Regt. in service 
but would have contested with the Miss. Regt. for precedence on that 
ground ; and most of them were far better drilled than them. But Genl. 
Taylor has said in a letter to the Col. of the Ala. Regt. that the reason 
Col. Davis was taken forward was because his Regt. was armed with 
rifles a desirable weapon, "and it (the Miss. Regt.) came to the country 
under special instructions from the War Department to report imiiiediate- 
ly at the Head Quarters of the Army." So Davis and Genl. Taylor are 

*3AIexander R. McClung, Lieutenant-Colonel of the Mississippi Regiment. 

**Interlined. 

*^Interlined. 



156 TENNESSEE HISTORICAL MAGAZINE 

at issue as to a fact. But Davis is the son in law of Genl. Taylor and 
the latter is very much under his influence and is and has been dis- 
posed to do everything he can for his advancement. But enough of this. 
I will so soon as I have time make a statement for the public which will 
be corroborated by all my officers which you will see. Genl. Scott has 
been very busy since he came, and this evening the 20th has left for 
the island of Lobos where he will start the convoy. I understand that 
5000 will go forward to effect a landing and that the Tennessee Brigade 
will ,be in that number. My health is good. My horses are fat and 
fine, the two I brought from Ten. My servant Joseph Cox is a raw Irish- 
man that I employed on the Gulph coming over to Brasos in June. He 
is faithful but awkward. 

Our food is generally coarse, being coffee, hard bread and fried bacon. 
When near such a town as this we get vegetables from the market, and 
have had here, fine potatoes, lettuce the finest I ever saw and fish; beef 
is abundant but not first rate. 

February 21st. 

I see to day that Genl. Saint Anna has issued a proclamation, in which 
he represents his army in a most miserable condition, without money to 
buy provisions, without cloathing, and without a supply of the munitions 
of war, and he offers to give up the command. If the picture that is 
drawn in his proclamation be true, we will have no fighting for some 
time as the Mexican army is in no condition to take the field and will 
not be in some time. 

Vera Cruz is obliged to fall an easy prey and we shall march on 
Mexico almost without oposition. The troops are embarking to day, 
Genl. Twiggs Division going first, Genl. Pillows Brigade next, Genl. 
Quitmans next and Genl. Shields last. Col. Gates of the regular army 
remains here in command with the new Regt. from Louisiana, the Balti- 
more Battallion, a company or two of regulars for the garrison. The 
climate here is a perpetual summer day being as warm as mid-summer 
in Ten. If we can reduce Vera Cruz in a short time and move out 50 
of 100 [miles] towards Mexico we will be in a high healthy country and 
as safe from disease as in your Virginia Mountains. We may have a 
dangerous time to go home as we will pass Vera Cruz and the Gulph 
and New Orleans in the sickly season. Give my love to my dear Aunt 
and to Col. John Campbell. I am your devoted nephew. 

[Postscript.] My Regt. will number for field service about 350 men 
and are stout, in good condition and will give a good account when called 
on. 

22nd February 47. 

The weather has been so windy that none of the troop [s] at this place 
have yet embarked and I fear that all will not be off for two weeks. Genl. 
Scott has gone to Lobos. The whole convoy will move at once for that 
Island. No news, all very busy preparing for the expedition and drilling 
daily very hard, so as to have the men fit for fighting. 

I have received no letters from my wife since I have been here. The 
last letters I have from Ten. are dated about the loth of Dec. 46. Your 
letter of the 14th Jany. 47 has come safe to hand, but no letters from 
my home.^" 

17. Bay of Anton Lizardo, March 6th, 1847. 

I write you a few lines in haste, that you may be advised of my where- 
abouts. I left Tampico on the ist inst on board the Steamer Alabama, 

*8A crude map of the battles of Monterey is drawn on one of the pages of this 
letter. 



MEXICAN WAR LETTERS OF W. B. CAMPBELL 157 

with 7 Companies of my Regt. We are still on board and at anchor 
here, where we arrived on the 4th inst. We had a very pleasant passage 
from Tampico to this place, which is 8 or 9 miles south of Vera Cruz 
and in sight of that place and the formidable castle of St. Juan de Ulloa. 
This place is near the island of Anton Lizarda,''" affords fine anchorage 
for our vessels, where are now lying at Anchor 60 or 70 ships laden with 
troops and more hourly expected. Genl. Scott is here, and is engaged 
to day making a reconnoissance of the shore for the purpose of selecting 
a place for landing. We have here Genls. Worth, Twiggs, Pillow and I 
should have first named Mjr. Genl. Patterson, who came on the (Ala) 
[sic] with me here and has been very agreeable. Genls. Quitman and 
Shields are hourly expected with their commands. We shall have here 
about 10,000 effective men to invest and to take Vera Cruz with. Genl. 
Scott is going about the work with great system and I have no doubt 
will be successful. The fleet here now presents the most imposing appear- 
ance. Sacrificios is between this and the city about 3 miles from the 
castle. Green Island is directly east of Sacrificios one or two miles — at 
these two places and at this, our blockading squadron anchors. The par- 
ticular place of our landing is not yet pointed out. Nor can we tell 
whether the landing will be disputed. No doubt we shall have hot work 
before the city. I hope it will be reduced in a few weeks, for the yellow 
fever sets in by the 15th April, when we will have to fly from disease. 
The Mexican force is believed to be 5 or 6,000 in the city and castle. 
Our force will be about 10,000. 

We have news that Genl. Taylor has had a battle with St. Anna and 
has whiped him. The news comes through the Mexicans, and the re- 
port of the fight is favorable to St. Anna who reports his loss at 1,000 
and Genl. Taylor's at 2,000, but says he retired for provisions for his men. 
This news is calculated to inspire our force here with great enthusiasm 
and confidence. You will have heard all about the fight by Genl. Taylor's 
own reports before you get this. I have no doubt but Genl. Taylor was 
successful in the fight and we will be so here, but some lives will be lost 
and no one can tell who may fall. My men are in good health and spirits 
and when all together I shall have about 400 officers and men and very 
effective fellows. I hope we shall succeed in reducing the place before 
the yellow fever sets in, which is about the 15th April. If Genl. Taylor 
has had the fight reported and succeeded he will be the next President 
and Genl. Scott will be nowhere. If Taylor should be defeated, Scott will 
be received [?].** If Taylor has succeeded, his force being entirely vol- 
unteers, it will prove the efficiency of that force. I left my horses at 
Tampico to be brought on here on a vessel which was to bring the horses 
of Genl. Patterson. They have not yet arrived. I hope they will come 
safe, as they were fine horses and I cannot walk well. 

I left my servant at Tampico sick and hired another who is with my 
horses. 

I have not kept a journal. I did not begin it at first and have not 
had the resolution to take it up. You shall hear from me when I have 
some news. 

18. Camp Near Vera Cruz, March 20, 1847. 

I have had too much to do to compose my mind sufficiently to write to 
you, and to day I only intend to let you know where I am and that I am 
in good health. On the ninth the army debarked about 3 miles south of 
Vera Cruz opposite the island of Sacrificios without oposition. It was a 
most magnificent sight to see such a flotilla of small boats making to the 

*^Anton Lizardo. 

*8Ruined ( ?) The reading is doubtful. 



158 TENNESSEE HISTORICAL MAGAZINE 

shore fill[ed] with men and their bristeling bayonets. Genl. Worth's Brig- 
ade entered the surf boats first and made the lands, the boats returned for 
Genl. Pillow's Brigade and I had the honor of leading that Brigade to the 
shore escorting my Major Genl. Patterson. (By the way I came from 
Tampico on the steamer Ala. with Genl. Patterson and I became well 
acquainted with him and I am disposed to change my opinion of him, 
he is agreeable, polite and clever, and has much more capacity than I had 
attributed to him, he has but little military experience, but he seems to 
demean himself well and particularly to me does he bear himself properly. 
And I may say that Genl. Pillow is more agreeable than I expected and 
tries hard to be agreeable to me, yet he has no military capacity, and 
can only signalize himself by his valour which he may possess sufficiently. 
He is light, impetuous and with but little judgment and no skill or expe- 
rience, and often renders himself rediculous, yet I am disposed to be 
friendly with him and to sustain him so long as he is disposed to do 
justice to me and to appear friendly. [)] But to return. On shore I arrived 
in the dark and lay on the left of Genl. Worth's Brigade on our arms all 
night. Next morning early we began to move so as to get around the 
town. Soon my Regt. was thrown forward and reached an old ruin 
which could have been defended by a few men with great effect, from 
thence we were ordered to proceed and takek the magazine which is about 
2^ miles from the wall of the town. We passed forward and found it 
had been evacuated, but got about 75 English shells and some boxes of 
Rockets. There we rested for the day a few shots having been fired 
at us with escapets'*'* at a long distance. The other regts. of volunteers 
moved on and became engaged in a skirmish with small bodies of the 
enemy but little damage was done. So we moved on and placed our line 
entirely around the City — in the order of Genl. Worth's Brigade first, 
Genl. Pillow's, Genl. Quitman's, Genl. Shields', and Genl. Twigg's on the 
Jallappa road and to the beach to the north of the town. My Regt. is 
stationed on the rail Road and the Medillon road to prevent ingress or 
egress along those routs — next in importance as roads to the Jallappa 
road. We have now encamped along the lines about 12,000 men, but our 
movements are necessarily slow, for since we landed, we have had a 
north wind which prevented any communication with the shipping for a 
week, since then there has been heavy ordinance and stores landed and 
provisions and Quartermaster's stores landing, and we have been engaged 
preparing to plant some batteries. This work until yesterday was con- 
fined to Worth ['s] Brigade. Genl. Pillow's Brigade has a work now in 
operation so we hope in 3 or 4 day[s] to have some heavy morters throw- 
ing shells into the town and castle yet I must say that but a small por- 
tion of the heavy morters and cannon ordered by Genl. Scott has yet 
arrived, but looked for dayly. There are here now 10 morters 10 inches 
diameter and 4 Twenty four pounder cannon. 

It will require a much larger siege train to compel the castle to sur- 
render. I have no doubt but that Vera Cruz is one of the strongest places 
in the world — perhaps second only to Gibralter. I cannot now describe 
to you the town and castle, but the castle is situated in the bay in front 
of the town about 800 yards from the town — the water between the town 
and castele deep enough for the largest vessels. 

The town is surrounded by a wall 16 feet high and 3 feet thick, with 
90 guns in batteries along the wall. The country rises from the town 
an[d] is very broken in sand hills and as far out as our camp the sand 
hills are 150 feet high. The hills are barren, but along the small yaljies 
a very dense thicket of small growth 15 or 20 feet high, makes it im- 
passable except path[s] are choped out. I think we now have the town 

*^Escopeta, the name of a short carbine carrying a large bullet. 



MEXICAN WAR LETTERS OF W. B. CAMPBELL 159 

completely cut off, and if our navy would but do as well as the army 
they would soon have to capitulate for want of provisions. 

But if they do not give up soon we will be throwing shells into them 
at a terrible rate. I saw Genl. Scott yesterday. He is very agreeable 
and kind and I am disposed to think he is managing this affair as well 
as it could be done by any one with his means. He is a noble gallant 
soldier and I am pleased with him. He has capacity and qualifications for 
so large and so complicated a command, and will I doubt not make it 
succeed. Vera Cruz in our possession and Mexico could do but little 
more as the ways will all be open to our arms to enter the heart of her 
dominions. 

Genl. Scott says he will take the place with but little sacrifice of life 
and that he will then move out to Jallappa, which is the most healthy and 
delightful climate in Mexico. You will have heard before you get this 
of the great battle of Buenavista, fought by Genl. Taylor and Genl. Santa 
Anna near Saltillio. Old Zack is the most lucky man alive. He is the 
bravest of the brave — kind, good, clever fellow as lives — a mighty good 
man — but his excellence is to fight and Santa Anna forced him to fight, 
and he has fought like a bull dog and whiped him badly. His fame is now 
complete as the greatest military chieftan of the age and he will be the 
next President by acclamation. He will make a good President, and I 
am for him or for Scott or any Whig who may be our nominee. 

It was a terrible battle. He went back expecting to have nothing to 
do, but his star is in the ascendant. He has had to do what Genl. Scott 
would have given a kingdom to have done. And what makes the affair 
more glorious is that 5,000 volunteers fought 20,000 Mexicans and killed 
and wounded 4,000, with a loss of 700. Will it ever be said again that 
volunteers cannot fight as well as Regulars? 

The Regular Army are not pleased at the affair as it was won by 
volunteers alone. They will have to do something here, for the volun- 
teers will eclipse them if they don't mind. I must say that Genl. Worth 
is moving with his brigade and daily gaining laurels. He has an advanced 
work to plant morters, on which the enemy have been firing for 4 or 5 
day[s] and to day they have already discharged more than 150 shot and 
shells at it still it is prosecuted with unwavering firmness and will be ready 
by to night to plant the morters. No damage has yet been done to his 
command at the advanced work. I have had a few very large shells to 
fall near my lines and the fragments after bursting to tear the tents, yet 
no man of my Regt. has been hurt. One ball fell within 20 feet of me (a 
24 pounder) but did no damage. But this firing of shells into an encamp- 
ment is very alarming to the men. From the best information that can 
be had the force in the town and castle is 6 or 7,000, of which less than 
3,000 are Regulars. The women and children have left the town, still they 
are getting scarce of provisions and would soon have to capitulate from 
hunger. Yet they shew no signs as every few minutes we are saluted by 
the sound of_ their cannon. Genl. Morales is in command, and is a brave 
Genl. and will hold out as long as possible. It is very warm here, the 
whole winter here being like midsummer in Ten. The sickly season does 
not set it until about the ist of May, and I hope long before then, we 
will be at Jallappa or on our way to our homes. T hope the latter as I 
am very anxious to get home and give some attention to my business. 

Present my truest love to my dear Aunt and remember me most affec- 
tionately to Col. John C. and all my friends about Abingdon. 

19. Camp Washington Near Vera Cruz, March 28th, '47. 

I can only write you a few lines in haste, to inform you that the fight 
here is at an end and that the Commander of the town of Vera Cruz and 



160 TENNESSEE HISTORICAL MAGAZINE 

Castle have entered into terms of capitulation and tomorrow at lo Oclk 
A.M. t'hey are to be surrendered up to us and the army to be marched out 
and lay down their arms and become prisoners of war. Although we made 
the landing here on the 9th inst, and the enemy commenced to fire upon 
us at long distance with their heavy artillery which was kept up irregularly 
all the time, yet we did not succeed in opening the first battery upon them 
until the 22d. On the 24th the 2d battery was got into operation. The 
first battery was planted by Genl. Worth's division and when opened con- 
sisted of 7 mortars of 10 inch calibre. The other battery consisted of 6 
guns from the navy of large size — 4 64 pounders and 2 32 pounders. 
After our battery began to fire it was returned with great spirit by 
the town and castle from near 100 guns, still our fire continued steady 
throwing every shell into the town and was kept up night and day. Our 
batteries were placed about 700 yards from the wall of the town. The 
navy guns were opened on the 24th and produced great effect upon the 
wall and in silencing two of the enemy's batteries which were operating 
very fiercely against us. This battery was manned and commanded by 
men and officers, of the navy although constructed by the volunteers and 
my Regt. had an active part in it. This second battery was complete and 
the guns loaded ready to fire before it was discovered by the enemy such 
was the silence and secrecy observed in its construction, yet when un- 
masked it was on higher ground than the town and in full view some 
bushes prevented the discovery. 

On the morning of the 26th at day light after a sure^" fire of shell 
into the town, the Mexican commander sent out a white flag proposing 
to capitulate, and from that time until late last night the subject has been 
negotiating, but it is now understood to be settled. On tomorrow at 10 
Oclock A.M. the whole force amounting to between 5 and 6,000, march 
out and lay down their arms and become prisoners of war, the town and 
castle of St. Juan De Ulloa to be given up to us and all the Govt, prop- 
erty of every kind. So that Vera Cruz and the castle are now ours. 
Our loss since we landed is about 16 killed and 25 wounded — only three 
officers — Capt. Albertes" of the infantry, Capt. Vinton of the artillery and 
Midshipman Shubrick of the navy have been killed. The loss on the part 
of the enemy is much greater but not yet ascertained the destruction of 
life to the population must have been very great as our bomb shells 
fell all over the town and no part of it escaped and I can see although 
I have not yet been in the town that the houses are much battered. The 
affair has been a brilliant one and eminently successful. The strongest 
place in North America has been taken by the skill and valour of our 
troops after a siege of two weeks and with a loss of killed and wounded 
of only about 40. We now have the key to the City of the Montezumas 
and can go there with little or no ©position. I think the Mexican govt, 
will now offer to make peace, — they cannot resist us and I think will not 
be able to raise another army in time to meet us before we shall be in 
the City of Mexico (I mean the American Army) for I now think my time 
of service will expire before the preparation can be made to march to the 
City of Mexico. I shall be glad when my time arrives to return home, 
and my whole command are anxious to get home. Mr. Polk will be de- 
ceived in his calculations that the volunteers now in service will re-enlist 
for the war — not one out of 100 will re-enlist. Genl. Scott has managed 
the affair here well and Genl. Worth has gained great eclat for his con- 
duct in this whole affair. He is a very active and sprightly officer. I have 
found Genls. Patterson and Pillow very agreeable in all my intercourse 

^Severe (?) 
«AIburtis. 



MEXICAN WAR LETTERS OF W, B. CAMPBELL 161 

with them. But they [are] neither cut out for miUtary men, particularly 
the latter. I have not been able here to signalize myself particularly, but 
have done as much as any officer of my grade. On the 29th at i oclock the 
whole force will march out and surrender their arms in the immediate 
presence of Genl. Worth's and Genl. Pillow's Brigades, on each side of 
them the whole force of the enemy is about 4,000. Since I wrote the 
above I have received your two letters of the 2d and 8th February and 
one from Col. John Campbell of the 3d Feby. I have no expectation of 
remaining in the army and have not given an intimation to any one since 
I entered the service that I desired an appointment in the army from 
Mr. Polk and I do not desire or expect one. I did signify through Col. 
Gentry when the war first broke out that I would accept an appointment 
in the line, in the army. He waved a decision and I have desired my 
friends since to make no application to him for me. I do not wish to 
remain in the army and will if I am permitted return home as soon as 
I can. 

You will have heard of Genl. Taylor's great battle of Buenavista" with 
Genl. St. Anna. Now Taylor's fame is complete and his popularity will 
be as overwhelming as was Genl. Jackson's. I much fear that the adm. 
will excite a rivalry between Scott and Taylor and that they will sustain 
Scott a disposition to affiliate with the enemies particularly of Genl. Taylor. 
I hope this may not be so, but it matters not. Taylor is the people's man 
and he makes an impression on the soldiery. Genl. Scott makes no such 
impression as old Rough and Ready. And Scott will be able to make no 
shew against Taylor. I like Genl. Scott very well, but he is a very vain, 
and light man, but of great acquirements and genius, but too much effort 
to be agreeable to be popular, F^ will never reach the Presidency, I 
predict. 

March 29th — 47. 

I have just returned to camp with my Regt, having witnessed at a 
great distance, the ceremony of laying down their arms by the army of 
Very Cruz — about S,ooo in number, and as they marched off it seemed that 
the whole population of the city was moving off, being so many women 
along with the army. I had a poor chance to see any thing as I was 
ordered to remain with my Regt. Genl. Scott, and Genl. Worth and Genl. 
Pillow are here a sort of triumvirate and Scott is paying Polk for letting 
him come here in his notice of and putting forward Pillow on all occasions. 

Scott is vain and to be reached by flattery which I will not plaster him 
with. I have seen him but once since I have been here and I care not 
whether I ever see him again. 

I feel here as if I had no place, and I am [?] can bear with patience 
all that may occur in the next two months, — to be under Scott and Pillow 
longer I would be forced to resign. But I will hang on and do my duty. 
I have no chance to visit the City until it shall please Genl. Scott and 
Pillow to let me go and I will never ask that favor of them if I never 
enter the walls of Vera Cruz. I may not be able to give you any account 
of the city, on account of the policy of our Genls. 

I hope soon to be discharged with my Regt. and I will return home 
and no inducement will take m,e into the army again. 

20. Camp 45 Miles From Vera Cruz on the Road to the City of Mexico, 

April 13th, 1847. 
The weather has been extremely hot and the service I have had to per- 
form has made me both disinclined and unfit for writing to any one. 

^^February 22, 23, 1847. 
'^^Evidently a slip for "and." 



162 TENNESSEE HISTORICAL MAGAZINE 

But tomorrow will be a day big with the fate of many a poor soldier and 
I will write you a few lines, not knowing what may happen to your 
afifectionate nephew. 

On the 8th inst. Gen. Twiggs marched off from Vera Cruz with about 
2000 regulars, and on the gth Genl. Pillow and Genl. Shields Brigade 
under Genl. Patterson march[ed] on the same route towards Jallapa. It 
was well understood that the enemy was in force and fortifying near this 
place. On yesterday Twiggs came up with the position of the enemy 
which is about three miles from this place, and concluded from their force 
and strength of opposition to fall back here and await the arrival of 
Pattersons division, which got here yesterday evening much worn out 
and fatigued with the march. An attack was concluded on by Gen. 
Twiggs who is in command (Genl. Patterson being very sick) on this 
morning at day light, but he was dissuaded from it for the purpose of 
resting the men and making a more perfect reconnoisance of the enemys 
position and works. That has been done to day and at day light we make 
the attack. Our effective force here does not exceed 5000 men. The 
Mexican force is represented to be 15,000 and in a fortified position 
which commands the road. Genl. Scott and Genl. Worth are at Vera 
Cruz and will not be up with us until it will be too late to profit by their 
skill and experience. I feel quite sure that it would be proper to wait 
the arrival of Scott and the additional force which he will bring with 
him, which would at least make the fight a lighter one, and victory more 
certain. But Twiggs now having a separate command and Pillow and 
Shields, are all anxious to strike some blow that will signalize themselves, 
in the absence of Scott and Worth, and they will attempt it tomorrow, 
and I think the chances are much against their success. A repulse ought 
to disgrace them, because the attack is to be made from an utter disre- 
gard of the exposure of the command and loss of life, solely to make 
some capital for themselves. I have no confidence in Twiggs' abiUty, 
no[r] have the intelligent officers of the army any confidence in him. 
Pillow is very light, and the affair on tomorrow will need a better head 
than any of those who are high in command. From all I can learn of 
the Enemys position it is very strong with a very large force, and we 
will be in great danger of a repulse, which will operate very injuriously 
on the future operations of this army, besides disgracing the troops. 
Santa Anna is said to be here, as is also Cannalizo,'^ La Vega and others 
of high renown, and they are prepared to make a very formidable re- 
sistance. In another day the whole of Worths division and Genl. Quit- 
mans Brigade wiU be here and our force would be more than doubled. 
But delay might place others in command which is to be avoided by 
Twiggs, Pillow and Shields. Night before last we staid at the Peuenta 
del Rey'^'^ or Kings Bridge, where Santa Anna has a most beautiful 
, -residence. But we have found the whole country, every house and village 
^' from Vera Cruz to this place abandoned. The men are all with the 
army. There is more appearance of hostility here on the part of the 
population than any part of Mexico we have been in. And I think they 
will dispute every pass with us on the road to their capital. This road 
has been a much superior one to the Cumberland road, being much 
wider and the Bridges the best I ever saw but the face of the road is 
now much worn. The -country is poor with a few fine streams at great 
distances apart. From the stream at the Kings bridge to this stream 
called (Plan del Rio) is 15 miles, and not any water on the road. 
(There is a little village here call[ed] Encero.)" 

^Canalize. 

^sPuente del Rey, — the name under the Spanish regime. It was now called 
Puente Nacional. 

si'Rio del Plan was the name of the stream; the village was called Plan del Rio. 
Encero, an estate belonging to Santa Anna, lay some distance beyond. 



MEXICAN WAR LETTERS OF W. B. CAMPBELL 163 

I find that there is not as much confidence in the troops as I would 
like to see and I have some fears as to the result of tomorrow. But I 
shall meet whatever occurs with the firmness I have exhibited on other 
occasions, trusting to a merciful Providence, my fate and destiny. 

N. B. Genl. Patterson although very sick has taken the responsibility 
of stopping the attack until the arrival of Genl. Scott, which I think is 
entirely proper. 

14th. 
All well and waiting for Genl. Scott, the express leaves immediately — 
a day or two will tell some news. 

Palm [sic] Del Rio, 17th April, 1847. 

The fight has not come ofif yet. It was delayed until Genl. Scott 
came up on the 15th and Genl. Worth with his division came up last 
night and tomorrow at dawn of day the fight begins. It is now well ascer- 
tained that Santa Anna is here and that his force is very large say 
15000, and that his whole line is an entrenchment with numerous bat- 
teries and located in a strong mountain pass called the pass of the Sierra 
Gorda." Twiggs is now near the rear of the enemy with Shields Brigade 
and in the morning will be joined by Worths Division. Pillows Brigade 
attacks the extreme left of their line in front and we shall have a hot 
place. If I shall be spared, you shall have from me a full report. Twiggs 
was attacked by the enemy to day, but he beat them ofl. They are evi- 
dently disposed to fight and with more spirit than heretofore. We shall 
have a hot day of it tomorrow and many lives will be lost. I can only 
say that I will not on tomorrow tarnish the fair name of our family or 
shade the name of Campbell. . . . 

Col. J. E. Johnston formerly of Abingdon was badly wounded on the 
1st days approach of Genl. Twiggs while he was reconnoitering the posi- 
tion of the enemy — his wound is not mortal. 

21. Plan del Rio, Mexico, April 18, 1847. 

The battle came ofif today and the enemy whole force surrendered 
themselves prisoners of war. Genl. Scott came up on the 15th and Worth 
with his Division got here night before last, but much fatigued and were 
rested yesterday. Yet the[y] did not get into the fight at all. Twiggs' 
Division and Shields' Brigade did the work. The[y] passed around the 
enemy with much difficulty and took position in his rear and completely 
cut ofif retreat, not however before Santa Anna had made his escape with 
3000 cavalry. To day they stormed a commanding hight at the pass 
called the Sierra Gorda and the enemy immediately capitulated and we 
have now in camp about 5000 of the yellow rascals as. prisoners of war 
and 5 general officers. La Vega of the number. The names of the others 
have not been learned, one who more of negro than Indian is named Genl. 
Penes.°^ It has been a great hall of our net about 40 pieces of canon 
and a great deal of ammunition and 30,000 dollars in cash in the pay 
chest. The attack on the extreme right'** of the enemys works was partial- 
ly made to day by Genl. Pillows Brigade and completely failed with a very 
severe loss to the 2nd Regt. My loss was only i killed 6 wounded. The 
attack failed and while Pillow was drawing off his Brigade the news was 
brought him of the surrender of the enemys whole force including that 
which had repulsed him. He is no Genl. and on the field of action, has 

^^Cerro Gordo. 

^^In a different hand, — probably that of Governor David Campbell, — is interlined 
Pinson. The name should be Pinzon. 
^^"Right" from the Mexican position. 



164 TENNESSEE HISTORICAL MAGAZINE 

no decision or judgt. He was wounded in the arm, and I may say that 
Genl. Shields who went yesterday with his Brigade to the support of 
Twiggs and whose Brigade was in the fight to day was mortally wounded. 
The enemy would have fallen into our hands without the attack that was 
made by Pillow as they did although he was repulsed. 

I think I may say though for myself and my Regt. that we conducted 
ourselves so as to draw applause. The calm [?] soldier like conduct of 
the Regt., its good order under fire, was the subject of remark and is 
well know[n], how much they are under my control in action. 

Genl. Scott is making a blazing campaign through this country — al- 
ready has taken 10,000 prisoners, constituting 2 armies and 400 pieces 
of cannon and 10,000 stands of small arms and tomorrow he will be in 
Jappala, and in two weeks may be in the City of Mexico. I wish to go 
on to the Capital, and hope it may be my fortune to see the City of 
Mexico before the campaign is over. We lost about 100 killed and say 
200 wounded — this is a guess. The new Rifle Regt. suffered severely in 
the fight and the 2nd Ten. Regt. suffered severely in Pillows repulse. 
Scott is an able commander but he loves flattery and I have no taste to 
hang about him and offer him praises. He is doing the affair up well 
here now. 

The Battle will be called the Siera Gorda. Twiggs is after St. Anna 
and may get to Jallapa to night. Worth follows in the morning. 

22. Camp Near Jallapa, Mexico, April 25, 1847. 

I can only write you a few lines to keep you advised of our move- 
ments. I wrote you from the Plan del Rio and made an addition to the 
letter after the battle of the i8th at the pass of the Sierra Gorda. Our 
relative Li[eu]t. Col. Cummings was shot through the foot in the action 
but the wound is not dangerous He is said to have behaved well and 
conducted himself gallantly, but the misfortune of the command was 
that they were beaten off by the enemy. On the morning of the 20th 
we took up the line of march for this place, leaving the 2nd Ten. Regt. 
at the Plan del Rio, to take care of the wounded and the ammunition 
and stores and arms taken from the enemy. At night we reached the 
very extensive and favorite Hacienda of Genl. Santa Anna called Encerro. 
It had been very lately occupied by his family and abandoned in haste 
before the approach of our army who pursued the flying enemy. It is a 
most magnificent place, a fine house very richly furnished, a very beau- 
tiful church in the yard nearly completed and for many miles the whole 
country is enclosed with the best stone fence I ever saw. Then near and 
in the rear of the residence is a most beautiful artificial pond (made by 
a dam across a large spring branch) which covers several acres of 
ground and is so elevated as to water many thousand acres of land by 
irrigating ditches. There is a large sugar manufactory on the same farm. 
Santa Anna is immensely wealthy owning nearly the whole country from 
Jallapa to Vera Cruz. He has three princely residences between those 
points. The Hacienda of Mango del Clavo (Handle of the Key)'" is 
15 miles from Vera Cruz — 2 miles from the main road. I saw the place 
from the road. Then at the National Bridge there is another princely 
mansion of his, and Fncerro is 6 miles from Jallapa. Jallapa is a most 
beautiful town, situated in a high mountain region, surrounded by a roll- 
ing but very rich country and as fine a climate as the June climate of 
Abingdon. The mountains here rise very high and the Orizava" with 
its snow clad summit is to be seen every where. We are encamped 3 
miles on the road west from Jallapa. On an aqueduct which conveys 

^"Manga de Clavo. Colonel Campbell's translation is not correct, 
•^Orizaba. 



MEXICAN WAR LETTERS OF W. B. CAMPBELL 165 

water to a manufactory of cotton owned by Don Gartia/^ the god father 
of Santa Anna. The water is very pure and as cold as the spring water 
of your country. We have no need of the ice or snow from Orizava, 
and ice is not used here at all except the Indians make ice cream for 
sale on the streets. Jallapa is finely watered and one of the cleanest 
places I ever saw. The population is more of the European than in any 
town I have seen and look respectable and intelligent. Yet the mass 
of the populatioii of this country are the unadulterated race and lineal 
descendants of the Indians conquered by Cortez, and are evidently to 
this late day but little improved, their habits being much the same that 
they were 200 years ago. The streets of Jallapa are all paved with stone 
as is the National road from Vera Cruz to the City of Mexico, it is 
rough all the way, but finely graduated and the Bridges are the best I 
ever saw. 

Genl. Twiggs' division is encamped near the town and the whole of 
Genl. Pattersons division is encamped in this vicinity. Genl. Worths 
division left here on the 20th and 9 miles from here they found 9 pieces 
of cannon on the road at a pass which the enemy intended to fortify, 
but they had abandoned the place before he approached. He pushed on 
immediately to Perote and found that place also abandoned and took 50 
pieces of cannon. A Mexican Col. appeared and delivered up to him all 
the munitions of war and government stores at that place, saying he was 
directed to do so by the Government. I cannot tell what further will be 
done, whether Genl. Scott with this army will venture further into the 
interior. He is obliged to draw his supplies or a large portion of them 
from Vera Cruz and his transportation is very small even for his army. 
And then his army will be soon much reduced by the discharge of the 
old volunteers, unless the new Regts. will be out very soon. I do not 
think he can safely move further tmtil the new regiments come out and 
by that time the enemy will be able to raise an army and fortify before 
Puebla and before Mexico and give a large army much trouble yet to reach 
the capital. At present they are without an army, but the whole popula- 
tion of Mexico is extremely hostile to the Los Americanos del Norte, — 
No people could evince more hostility or bitterness than they do and it 
will not be wiped out in many generations. Genl. Scott is anxiously ex- 
pecting a proposition from Santa Anna for an armistice and to treat for 
peace, but I think he will be disappointed and that they will suffer town 
after town and state after state to fall into our hands before they will 
bow to ask for peace. It is a stubborn and proud race and all believe 
that their rights have been wantonly outraged by our Govt. If Genl. 
Scott had 10,000 men who could remain with him 3 or 4 months he could 
now in my opinion march directly to the City of Mexico, with but slender 
or feeble opposition, but in two or three months they will assemble an 
army and be prepared to dispute the way with him. It is said that in 
Puebla and Mexico, they are melting down the church bells to make 
cannon and are manufacturing arms. This shows that they are not 
yet broken down in spirit. 

I shall not expect to go further with my Regt. into the interior than 
this place, and by the 15th or 20th of May hope to be on my march 
for home. I dread the passage through Vera Cruz and across the gulph 
and through New Orleans, but I am willing now to pass any danger to 
get home, being tired of the army. 

I have seen very little of Genl. Scott. He is always very polite to me 
when I hap [p] en to meet him. But he talks all and I have hardly had 
the chance in his presence to speak a word. He is mightily taken with 
Genl. Pillow who is a light vain man and can flatter Scott to his hearts 

*-This should probably be Garcia. 



166 TENNESSEE HISTORICAL MAGAZINE 

content but is very deceitful and cares nothing for Scott only so far as 
he can use him, being a hand plant of Mr. Polk and ready to do at any 
time any dirty work for him. Pillow has tried hard to demean himself 
properly towards me and as to personal treatment I could not complain, 
yet he is no part of a Genl. or military man and as light as a feather 
and is always making himself ridiculous by his foolishness. 

I am very anxious to be free and to get from under the command 
of such a general. Nor would I ever again take a command in the 
army unless it was in the regular service, as there is so strong a feeling 
of jealousy and op[p]osition to the volunteers, that while the command 
and controul of the army and all its departments is in the hands of Reg- 
ular officers, justice will never be done to the volunteers. The whole of 
the officers of the regular army seem to regret that the battle of Buena 
Vista was fought by volunteers and say it will break down the army 
and seem not to rejoice in the success of our arms in the hands of any 
but regulars. And volunteers have hard places, have fewer comforts or 
conveniences than regulars and when any thing is done all the praise 
is given to the Regulars. I will never enter the service again as a vol- 
unteer unless it be to defend my native land and my own hearth stone. 

We will have to take Genl. Taylor for the next President for nothing 
now can prevent his election. I shall support him in preference to a 
democrat. But I know he is nothing but an army man, whose whole 
life has been spent in and devoted to the army and his mind and views do 
not extend beyond that limit. He is an honest, brave and clever man, but 
he will be more influenced by the army than any oftlcer of high standing 
that I know of — far more so than would Scott. But he has the position 
and no one can oust him from it. Scott is a man of a dififerent order of 
intellect from Taylor. He is capable of filling high stations himself, is an 
able general, and an intelligent and accomplished man and I may say 
statesman. But old Zack has the manners to please all, being so plain, 
and easey and afifable, that he does not beget jealousy in the breast of 
any one who meets with him. No one feels that he is his superior, but 
his equal or inferior and each thinks he can control and manage such a 
mind, but not so with Scott. He is not so plain and easey in his manners 
and is disposed to make men feel his superiority and that he is the 
great man. 

I will write again soon. Present me to Col. John C. and my sincere 
love to my dear aunt. 

[Postscript] I presume Genl. Scott's despatches will show the par- 
ticulars of the surrender at the Sierra Gordo, and the names of the 
officers of rank who were taken prisoners, and therefore I will not write 
about them. One Genl. officer and one Col. in the Mexican army was 
killed — Genl. Velasques"^ or some such name.) We have here all the 
tropical fruits in great abundance. The pine apple, plantin. Banana, 
orange, citron, etc., and vegetables, green peas, snap beans, lettice, rosting 
ears, etc., but in camp we can't enjoy them as we have not the means of 
cooking them and hence we live very rough and plain. My fare has been 
worse since I came to Vera Cruz and on here than it has been since I 
have been in Mexico. 

This is a most delightful climate. The air is always pure, cool and 
elastic — never sultry in the shade — the sun in the day is hot, but the shade 
always cool. 

I saw Col. Joseph E. Johnston the day I left the Plan del Rio (20th). 
He is in good spirits and I have no doubt will recover. He was badly 

'^Velazquez. 



MEXICAN WAR LETTERS OF W. B. CAMPBELL 167 

wounded. He will be brought to Jallapa as will all the wounded. John- 
ston stands high in the army. 

23. Near the Balize, La., May 20, 1847. 

I have the pleasure of announcing to you and my dear Aimt the fact 
that I have safely arrived in the United States and am now rapidly ascend- 
ing the Mississippi River on the ship Henry Prat, towed by the Steam 
boat Panther and will arrive on tomorrow at noon at New Orleans. Oa 
the 5th inst while at Jalapa, I was ordered to march on towards Mexico 
City at the head of a brigade, Genl. Pillow having left for home, but on 
that day Genl. Scott changed his plan and his orders and directed the 
whole of the old volunteers to march to Vera Cruz and thence home by 
the way of New Orleans and there be discharged. I set out from Jalapa 
on the 6th and reached Vera Cruz on the loth embarked with my whole 
Regt. on the Henry Pratt a sail ship, and reach [ed] the mouth of the Miss, 
on the i8th and was towed over the bar that day, but lay at anchor until 
this morning. We are now rapidly ascending the river. I hope to get 
off from New Orleans by the 26 or 2"] and shall be at home by the 5th 
or 6th June. My Regt. is now in good health. I left two wounded at 
Jalapa. Col. Joseph E. Johnston, I left at Jalapa improving rapidly. 
Present my truest love to my dear Aunt, and remember me to my friend 
Col. John Campbell and all friends I am truly yours. 

[Postscript] — Col. D. H. Cummings who was shot through the foot 
at Cerro Gordo, came on with me to Vera Cruz and has preceded me 
to New Orleans on a steam vessel, he was improving rapidly. 



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